ROAD TRAVEL REPORT:

PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO…  Driving is on the right. However, drivers, cyclists and motorcyclists commonly drive on the left.  Driving standard is poor. Many sources recommend renting a car and hiring a driver.  Drive defensively and use seat belts. Road risk is high. Crashes are often fatal.  Most traffic injuries involve pedestrians or cyclists.  The number of U.S. citizens being fatally or  China accounts for 13% of global road fatalities. seriously injured in road crashes in is increasing.  China has an average of 3.5 times more road crash- related fatalities than the U.S.

ROAD REALITIES DRIVER BEHAVIORS  Common factors in road crashes: speeding, failing to  Drivers who assault and seriously injure another road obey traffic signs and traffic lights, driving recklessly, user can be prosecuted. If road rage results in the failing to adjust to unexpected traffic situations, not person's death, the driver may receive the death yielding to pedestrians, driving in the wrong lane, penalty. passing illegally, driving while under the influence of  Be prepared to brake quickly. Drivers seldom use turn alcohol, driving while fatigued or distracted and driver signals, and may "dive" into small gaps in traffic. negligence.  If a driver enters your lane and you hit the side of  Drink driving is declining sharply due to passage of their vehicle, you will be considered at fault. stricter DWI laws, specifying harsh penalties for  Motorists and cyclists often turn at intersections or violating them and diligent enforcement of the laws. merge with traffic without yielding to oncoming traffic.  Drivers often run red lights, unless police are They may enter traffic from side streets, parking lots or present. alleys without looking.  Increasing numbers of drivers are inexperienced. Often  At intersections without lights or stop signs, drivers who results in confusing/unpredictable traffic conditions. do not make eye contact with other drivers are  Poor road safety awareness, poor vehicle condition, indicating that they are taking right of way. poor road conditions and lack of road safety features are  Drivers may ignore pedestrian crossings and/or use their also factors in road crashes. horn instead of their brakes.  Many crashes involve drivers of overloaded trucks or  Drivers may stop in the middle of the road to check a buses speeding on wet road surfaces. map or call for directions. They may drive on the wrong  Unless barriers restrict their path, cyclists and side of the road or on sidewalks. motorcyclists are commonly ride in the middle of the  Drivers seldom use seat belts. road into oncoming traffic.  Pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse-drawn  Many drivers drive aggressively. carts routinely travel the wrong direction on divided  Road rage seldom occurs. highways. They generally use the shoulder. May travel close to center fence.

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 Bicycles, motorcycles, tractors, etc., may be used to  Provision for vulnerable road users is improving in carry or tow excessive amounts of goods. Overloading major cities, but often lacking on inter-city and rural makes vehicles unstable and difficult to control. roads.  Cyclists, motorcyclists and some car drivers ignore one- Types of roads: way signs.  Expressways (China National Highways) are high  Crashes involving overloaded buses account for many quality roads linking major cities. road fatalities.  Generally in good condition and well maintained.  Overloaded trucks contribute to rapid deterioration of Have frequent exits. Exits are well signed. roads and bridges.  Road signs are in Chinese and English, except on Jingshi Expressway and in some areas of Inner GENERAL ROAD CONDITIONS where signs are in Mongolian and Chinese.  Two-thirds of China is mountainous or semi-desert. Harsh climatic conditions and high seismic instability  Warning signs, indicating potential dangers, are make road construction and maintenance challenging in posted. Few toll gate guards speak English. many regions.  Bad weather and fog may contribute to road crashes  China has 3.984 million km of roads, including 74,000 on some expressways. km of expressways.  Often have digital displays to inform drivers of  Construction of new roads and repair and upgrading of upcoming traffic jams, crashes, road construction existing roads is progressing rapidly. zones, adverse weather conditions, etc. Most  Most main roads are paved; secondary roads vary from messages are only in Chinese. smooth paved surfaces to rough dirt roads.  Service areas and gas stations are frequent on older  All towns, townships and counties have some level of expressways and are increasingly common on newer road access. Road quality is improving. However, many expressways. secondary roads are low quality, and provisions for  Speed limits are higher than on express routes, safety are often lacking or inadequate. except on a few of Beijing's expressways.  Road network has grown rapidly in past decade. China  Speed checks are often signposted. completed about 2 million km of rural roads and 35,000  Generally toll roads, except sections in Beijing. km of highways/expressways. However, roads are often Tolls are high. congested.  Express routes link main cities in a region. Generally in  Condition, maintenance and density of road network good condition. Speed limits are lower than on varies greatly in different geographical regions. Road expressways. conditions may deteriorate rapidly after turning off main  Provincial roads are generally in fair condition and are roads. Even newly paved roads may have large cracks. fairly well maintained. May lack a central median, and  Technical quality of many roads is inadequate, may be 2-lane. especially in western China and rural areas.  Rural roads may be fair to poor condition. Many roads  Roads in mountainous sections of southwestern have been upgraded. Roads in mountainous areas are China are often in poor condition. Road crashes are most likely to be in poor condition. frequent. Lane markings are often inadequate.  Township-level roads may be restricted to foreign Visibility may be poor. visitors.  Many maps do not distinguish between paved and  Asian Highways (AH) are international routes being unpaved roads. developed to promote trade and travel within region,  Traffic jams are common on arterial routes, especially with Europe and Middle East. Routes include existing near larger cities and at junctions of major highways. highways being or already upgraded to AH standards. Backups may last a few hours or a few days. Some sections may be in poor condition. Border  Traffic signs are international. crossings on Asian Highways:  Mixed traffic composition contributes to many crashes. Name of Border AH Route Name of bordering Road mix includes many pedestrians and cyclists, Number country rapidly growing numbers of motorcyclists, personal vehicles, buses and trucks. Heavily loaded freight Khunjerab Pass AH 4 Pakistan rickshaws often slow traffic and may contribute to road Choksum AH 42 crashes. Ruili AH 14 Myanmar

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Name of Border AH Route Name of bordering  Roads linking main cities and many roads to tourist Number country destinations near have been paved. Khunjerab Pass AH 4 Pakistan  Roads in remote areas are often unpaved, potholed and in poor condition, dusty in dry season and often Choksum AH 42 Nepal impassible in rainy season, except by 4WD vehicles. Ruili AH 14 Myanmar  Many roads and cities are affected by landslides, falling Daluo AH 3 Myanmar rocks, debris flows, avalanches and earthquakes.  Region is subject to many natural disasters. Roads and Wangding AH 14 Myanmar bridges are often damaged; may temporarily close. Mengla AH 3 Lao PDR  Cities most commonly affected: Lhasa, Xigaze, Pingxiang AH 1 Viet Nam Linzhi, and Zedang. Hekou AH 14 Viet Nam  Roads most often affected: - Highway, Tanu-Dongjiu section; Sino-Nepal Highway, sections Dongxing Viet Nam near Karu, Resa, and Zhangzangbo. Dandong AH 1 Democratic People's  Snow avalanches commonly cause temporary Repbulic of Korea closures of the Sino-Nepal Highway from Nyalam to UNESCAP.org, "GENERAL INFORMATION: Zhangmu. Most Common from October to April. International Border Crossing Points"  Tibet Travel Planner" provides online maps of Tibet at PROVINCE www.tibettravelplanner.com/mapsoftibet.htm.  Also known as Fukien or Foukien Province.  Mostly mountainous. Roads through mountainous areas URBAN TRAVEL are often steep and winding. Coastline is rugged and has  Condition and maintenance of roads is good in larger many bays. cities. Main roads generally are wide and in good  Good roads link larger cities in the province. Roads to condition. neighboring provinces are in good condition.  Major cities are growing more rapidly in population,  Rural villages often lack all-weather connections to the size and economy, than in any other nation. Congestion main road network. and scarce parking are common. Massive road building  10,000 km of rural roads have been improved. Travel projects have not kept pace with rapid growth in car and time on upgraded roads has decreased 58% and truck ownership. traffic volume has increased 127%.  Traffic flow on main roads has reached 90% of roads'  Roadside safety barriers are often lacking. capacity during peak travel times. Traffic jams and overcrowded public transport vehicles are increasingly  Truck overloading is becoming less common. common.  Expressways running through the Province: Zhangzhou-  Major cities generally have extensive public Zhaoan Expressway and Sanmingshi-Fuzhou transportation networks. Expressway.  Transportation hubs are concentrated along eastern coast  New expressway completed: Yong’an-Wuping and cities along major waterways. Development of Expressway (YWE); a 2-lane divided highway with regional transportation hubs in rural areas is in progress. lighting and rest stops. Links Yong’an with Wuping. Road is an extension of Changchun–Shenzhen  Bus (BRT) corridors are available or Expressway. under construction in several major cities, including Beijing, , , , .  BRT corridors have stops at stations. Allows (TAR) travelers to reach city center without driving.  Efforts to upgrade and expand the road network are  Bus stops in larger cities may be on either side or in the ongoing. Major roads linking Tibet with mainland middle of roads. Be alert when boarding or China and other countries have been upgraded: disembarking at stops located in the middle of roads.  Sichuan-Tibet Highway ( to Lhasa). Bus cards are available. The cards lower cost of fares.  Qinghai-Tibet Highway (-Ge'ermu-Lhasa).  Trams provide , Dalian, Fuzhou,  Xinjinag-Tibet Highway (Yecheng-Burang) , Guangzhou, Hangzhou, , Luoyang, , Taiyuan, Shanghai, Tianshui and .  -Tibet Highway ( Xiaguan-Makam)

 All townships and most villages have access to main road network. Road improvements reduced travel times from villages to main cities from days to a few hours.

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 Cities with subways/metro systems: Shanghai, Beijing,  Drivers of cars may use the lanes to get around Guangzhou, Shenzhen, , Hangzhou, Chonqing, traffic jams. May honk at cyclists and pedestrians, Wuhan, Chengdu, , Xi'an, Suzhou, , warning them to move out of their way. and Changchum.  Bike sharing programs are common along BRT  Higher traffic levels increase risk for cyclists and corridors. Bikes are free for first hour. Can use bikes to pedestrians and contribute to dangerously high air tour nearby regions. Return bike to any station. pollution levels. Manhole covers may be lacking.  Use Bike Share bikes to reach BRT stops, take BRT  Bicycle ownership has dropped 35% in 10 years. In buses to metro stations and complete trip by metro. Beijing, bicycles account for only 18% of personal trips.  Some coastal cities, border cities, and provincial capitals  Many cycle lanes have been converted into traffic lanes are designated "Special Economic Zones" (SEZs). SEZs on congested roads. Some cities are restoring or focus on tourism, industrial, agricultural and constructing cycle lanes. technological development.  Physical barriers often separate cycle lanes from  Road conditions and public transportation are other lanes. The lanes generally carry two-way traffic improving in communities developing near SEZs. and are used by pedestrians, cyclists and  High-speed rail lines: Beijing-Tianjin, Wuhan- motorcyclists. Guangzhou, Zhengxhou-Xi'an and Shanghai-Nanjing.

BEIJING CONDITIONS USEFUL INFORMATION Traffic is heavily congested. Rush hour traffic speed has Capital of China; located in northern China. Metropolitan area dropped to an average of 15 mph, and is expected to drop includes 16 districts and 2 counties. 38% of the city is fairly to 9 mph by 2015--close to average bicycling speed. flat; 62% is mountainous. Inadequate traffic management and increasing numbers of Many historic sites are located inside the . taxis and private vehicles contribute to congestion. City's older residential areas consist of neighborhoods linked City is a transportation hub. Eleven National Highways together by many narrow, winding streets. Often called radiate out from city. All are major truck routes. . Most hutongs are located inside the 2nd Ring  China National Highway 101 (G101) to and Road. area has many hutongs. Shenyang. Exits from .  Neighborhoods has many courtyard residences, known  G102 to Harbin. Exits from district. as siheyuan. Roads are safer for cycling due to less traffic. Be alert for older pedestrians and children.  G103 to Tanggu. Exits from Fenzhongsi district.  Tourists often tour hutongs by pedicabs.  G104 to Fuzhou. Exits from district. Silk Street market is located along .  G105 to Zhuhai and Macau. Also exits from Has an underground link with Yongali Subway Station. Yongdingmen district. Public buses are chief means of local transport. Often  G106 to Guangzhou. Exits from Yuqanying district. overcrowded, especially during rush hour.  G107 to Shenzhen. Exits from Guang'anmen district. City has over 20 long distance bus stations. Stations in  G108 to Kunming. Also known as Jingyuan Road. western Beijing serve buses traveling west of the city. Exits from district. Stations in eastern Beijing serve buses traveling east of the  G109 to Lhasa in Tibet. Exits from city, and so on. district.  Long distance buses are modern and comfortable;  G110 to Yinchuan. Exits from district. usually travel on expressways.  G111 to Heilongjiang Province. Exits from Overnight buses often travel on non-toll roads. Road Dongzhimen district. conditions may be poor to fair. Travel times are long. Buses  G112 begins in Gaobeidan, Tianjin. Forms a long ring may be uncomfortable. road around Beijing. Local buses provide service in city and suburbs. Service is Speed limit on Beijing's segments of Jingjintang and Jingha readily available; fares are low. Obtaining a public Expressways is 90 km/h (56 mph), which is lower than transportation card at a metro station reduces fare. speed limits on other expressways or express routes. Service on most routes is more frequent on major holidays.

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BEIJING MUNICIPALITY, CONTINUED CONDITIONS USEFUL INFORMATION Six Ring Roads serve the city. The 1st Ring Road is not an Local bus fleet is being updated. New buses are air- actual road, but refers to the orignal wall around the "Old conditioned in summer and heated in winter. City." Junctions may be difficult to navigate. Construction Bus network is difficult to use unless fluent in Mandarin or on ring roads may cause serious congestion on other Chinese. Bus personnel speak little English. Stops are arterial routes serving the city. seldom announced in English. Bus stop signs are in Travel restrictions: Chinese. For assistance, call English-speaking operators at  Traffic entering city center is restricted; based on last Beijing Public Transportation Customer Helpline. Phone: digit of vehicle license plate. 96166.  On week days, vehicles with non-local license plates Bus route information: are not permitted to enter areas within  Routes 1-300 serve city center. Routes 200-299 are during rush hour (7 am to 9 am and 5 pm to 8 pm). night buses. Vehicles with special passport-type document are  Routes 301-899 link city center with areas beyond the exempt from restrictions. Violators are fined and must . leave by a specified route to avoid additional fine.  Routes 900-999, link city's urban districts with its rural  Restrictions do not apply to inter-provincial passenger districts (Changping, Yanqing, Shunyi, etc). coaches and tourism vehicles. Police cars, military Three (BRT) corridors are in service, and a vehicles and ambulances also exempt when in service. fourth line is under construction. BRT Line 1 is most Some roads are one-way during specified hours. Large road heavily used. Runs along Nan Zhongzhouxian (South signs indicate times roads are one-way. Central Axis Line); links Qianmen and Demaozhuang. Intersections with traffic lights generally have zebra Qianmen is the common name for , a crossings. Be alert. Most drivers assume pedestrians will southern gate in "old city's" wall. yield to them, even when police are present. Travel on BRT buses may be faster and less crowded than on  Some drivers play "chicken" with pedestrians. May metro. blow horn and keep coming. Minibuses commonly provide transport in city's rural areas.  Drivers are more likely to stop for large groups of Fares are low; based on distance. Available mainly on pedestrians crossing a street. routes linking train stations and tourist sites. Can be hailed. High levels of air pollution are common. Passengers can disembark anywhere along route. Are slower than buses due to frequent stops. Fares are slightly Severe smog is common in summer; less frequent in fall and higher than bus fares. winter. Dust storms generally occur in spring; may be severe enough to close all forms of public transportation. Taxis are readily available. Fares are low. Fares increase 20% at night. Flooding is possible in the city's low-lying central districts during heavy rains. Taxis can be hailed or picked up at hotel taxi stands. Most hotels in Beijing have English-speaking dispatchers for taxi City is a rail hub with service to many cities in China and stands. neighboring countries.Main train stations: Use metered taxis; be certain meter is turned on before  (Běijīng Zhàn), in city center departing. Ask for a receipt. near Subway . Use registered taxis when possible. License plates begin letter  Beijing West Railway Station. Lacks immediate access "B" (京B). to metro. Drivers are generally honest. Trips may take longer than High-speed rail lines providing passenger transport to and expected, due to congestion. Drivers may take detours due from city: to travel restrictions in central Beijing. Some drivers are  Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway; reduces travel new immigrates to the city; do not know the city well. time between the cities to 5 hours. Drivers seldom speak or read English; bring a map or have  Beijing-Tianjin Intercity Railway, a express line; your destination written down in Chinese. reduces travel time between the cities to 30 minutes. Avoid using "black cabs" (unregistered taxis). License plates Tourist Trains serve tourist destinations in the region. Leave begin with letters other than "B". Drivers generally wait from Beijing Railway Station, Beijing West Railway near tourist attractions or subway stops. Fares are often Station, Beijing North Railway Station and Beijing South high for foreign tourists. Agree on fare before boarding. If Railway Station. Trains to some locations can be boarded at over-charged, do not argue with driver, especially when Pingguoyuan and Qinghuayuan subway stations alone. Record license number; call police later.

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BEIJING MUNICIPALITY, CONTINUED CONDITIONS USEFUL INFORMATION Tourists travel free when purchasing admission tickets for "Black cab" drivers may drop foreign tourists at wrong destinations prior to boarding. location. In a few cases, have taken tourists to remote  Information in English: locations and robbed them. www.beijingtrip.com/transport/jaunt-train.htm. Registered taxis may be scarce in more remote areas. Tourist buses provide one-day tours to the Great Wall of Motorcycle taxis: Drivers may demand high fee; agree on fare China and other popular attractions near the city. Purchase before boarding. Not recommended due to high road risk. tickets at "Beijing Hub of Tour Dispatch" dispatch centers Pedicabs are generally 3-wheeled vehicles, powered by in and Square to get lowest price. bicycle or motor. Provide transport over short distances. Metro system is extensive. Frequent service; often Built for two passengers, seated behind driver. Also known overcrowding is common. as cycle-rickshaws or auto-rickshaws. Schedules and signs for subway stops are in English. Beijing Capital International Airport is located in Chaoyang Transfers between lines are free. Interactive website with District, 20km northeast of city-center. Airport Hotline maps of and information on Beijing's subway lines: phone: 010-64541100. Website with passenger information www.explorebj.com/subway/#s2006,4018. in English: http://en.bcia.com.cn/harbor-guide/index.shtml. Airport Express subway line links the airport and city center.  Free shuttles provide transport between terminals from Has only four stops: Dongzhimen, S anyuanqiao, Terminla 6 am to 10 pm. 1 and Terminal 2.  Buses serve routes to city center and many districts. New subway lines to more remote districts has shortened Leave every 10 minutes from 8 am to 8 pm; every 20 commute times to city center. minutes other times. Cycling is popular. Cycling risk is high in heavily congested  Airport Shuttle Services provides transport to city on traffic. Bike lanes reduce risk; are available on some main several routes. Leave every 10-30 minutes. Also serve streets. routes to major cities in nearby provinces. Information  Major roads serving the city are generally congested. on routes is available from Airport Shuttle Services National Road 109 also serves the city; is well Hotline: 010-64594375/76. Sign for maintained and lightly traveled. Has steep hills near the Airport Shuttle Services stops: city. Is more favorable for cycing.  Hotel shuttles often provide transport for guests.  Mountain bikes are recommended for city's more rural Limousine services, also available. areas.  Airport taxis are available outside Arrivals Area. Taxis  Rental bikes are readily available from hotels, subway are metered; fare includes highway toll. stations and popular tourist stops.  Airport Expressway links city center and the airport. Road splits off of the northeastern section of 3rd Ring Road at Sanyuanqiao. Often heavily congested.  Rental vehicles are available at airport and in the city. The "Rim" is a mega-metropolitan area; includes major cities in region near . A network of expressways and high- speed rail lines links Beijing, Tianjin, Dalian, Shenyang, Jinan, Qingdao, and other major cities in the region. Cities in the Rim are major manufacturing, science and technology centers. Existing transport routes in the "Rim" provide rapid transport options. Heavy truck traffic is common on roads linking cities. DALIAN CONDITIONS USEFUL INFORMATION Northern China's largest port; a major transportation, Second largest metropolitan area in Liaodong Province. industrial and tourism center. Located in montainous region in southern section of Heavy industry is located in an outlying development zone. peninsula. Many roads are steep. is city's most Major roads serving the city: Shenda Expressway (Dalian to rural district. City includes Bingyu Valley and other tourism Shenyang), Changda Expressway (Dalian to Changchun), sites. Hada Expressway (Dalian to Harbin) and Dalian to Buses are most commonly used form of public transportation. Dandong Highway. Roads radiate out from Zhongshan Service is frequent. Begins at 4:30 to 8:00 am; closes at Square in city center. 10:00 pm. Time of operation varies with route.

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DALIAN, CONTINUED CONDITIONS USEFUL INFORMATION Traffic is heavily congested. Buses on major routes may be crowded during rush hour. Traffic includes few bicycles and motorcycles. Sale of Signs at bus stops are in English and Chinese. motorcycles is prohibited in the city. Most routes charge a flat fare. Exact change required. Road conditions have improved. Main streets in city center Buses generally lack air-conditioning and heat. Even when are wide. Often difficult for pedestrians to cross in heavy present, drivers seldom use them. traffic. Heavily used intersections generally have controlled Long distance buses provide transport to destinations in the crosswalks and pedestrian tunnels. province. Use caution when walking. Sidewalks may be in poor Express bus service is available to Beijing and other areas in condition. Be alert for missing manhole covers and clothes northeastern China. lines in front of homes/businesses when walking at night. Largest bus station is on Jianshe Jie, south of the Train Ceramic tile or marble, used on some walking surfaces, is Station. Smaller bus stations are located near the passenger very slippery when wet or snow-covered. ferry terminal in . Streets may be slippery in the morning. Tourist bus routes: Drivers seldom yield to pedestrians, even when pedestrian  #180, circular route serve the , People's crosswalk signal is green. Square, , Fujiazhaung Beach, Tiger Streets may be severely flooded during heavy rains. Beach, Labour Park and Zhongshan Square. Light-rail (qīng guǐ) links city center with Ganjing and  #801B, links the ferry terminal, Zhongshan Square, Districts. Provides shorter transport time than Heishijiao, the train station, People's Square and going by taxi, especially when Shenda Expressway is Xinghai Square. congested. May be overcrowded in rush hour. Fare based  Binhai Lu buses link the train station, Conference & on distance. Exhibition Center, Dalian Seashell Museum, Forest Light rail also links city center with the New Development Zoo, FuJiazhuang beach, Yan Woling, Birdsong Forest, Zone and Golden Pebble Beach National Resort. Tiger Beach Paradise, Harbour Square and Zhongshan Rail service is available to many cities. Square. Service is every 40 minutes. Dalian Central Train Station is 10 km (6.2 miles) north of Taxis are readily available, except in rush hour or areas far Victory Square. An express train ia available to Shenyang from city center. daily. Purchasing tickets requires understanding of Chinese Taxis operate 24/7. Many drivers accept credit cards. or assistance of local travel agent or hotel staff. Taxis are metered. Be certain driver uses meter. Drivers may Harbin-Dalian high speed rail line is near completion. Links turn meter off during bad weather. Illegal, but not enforced. Harbin, Dalian, Changchun, and Shenyang.  Drivers seldom understand English. Ask hotel staff to (commonly called Qinggui) links Dalian write directions to your destination for the driver Development Zone and Jinshitan with city center.  During rush hours, drivers often want to pick up Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport, located in Ganjingzi additional passengers traveling to destinations along District, 10 km (6 miles) northwest of city center. your route.  Airport buses provide transport to Shahekou Train Taxis with a blue light on the roof have the highest city rating; Station and city's main train station. taxis with a yellow light have the lowest city rating.  Public buses #701 and #710 have routes with stops at Illegal, "black" taxis also provide transport. They avoid city's main train station. #701's route ends at Zhongshan heavily patrolled areas. Taxis are metered. Drivers Square. #710's route continues to the harbor, Sanba generally charge correct fares, but seldom give receipts. Square and Erqi Square. Motorcycle taxis seldom operate in city center; more common  Official airport taxis can be hailed from taxi queue on in suburbs, especially in Kaifaqu and Jinzhou. High road terminal's eastern side. Provide transport to city center. risk. Helmets are not provided. Few drivers provide transport far from city center. Rental vehicles and chauffeur-driven vehicles are available. Ferries provide transport all year. Ridership drops in winter, Tram provide transport. Routes: due to harsh weather.  Central Railway Station to Shahekou Railway Station Passenger ships provide transport to , Weihai, Tianjin, Penglai and Qinhuangdao, , Changhai  Railway Station to Donghai Beach via Russian Street. County and Incheon ().  Xi'an Lu Shopping Area to Heishijiao and Xinghai Sq. Stops may vary on express trams. Check tram's destinations.

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GUANGZHOU CONDITIONS USEFUL INFORMATION One of China's leading commercial and manufacturing China's third largest metropolitan area; capital of centers. Region includes a Free Trade Zone near Province in southern China; gateway to . International Airport and several "Development Zones." Guangzhou metropolitan area includes 10 districts and 2 Road risk is high despite improved compliance with driving county-level cities. laws. Speeding is common. Formerly known as Canton or Kwangchow. Honking is less common than in most larger cities. Population and vehicle fleet are growing rapidly. Traffic is generally congested in central urban from 7 am-9 Bus service is well developed. Main bus terminals are near am and 5 pm-8 pm. Until familiar with driving conditions train and metro stations, major hotels and universities. Bus in the city, foreign visitors are encouraged to use public stations serving local buses are generally called bus transportation during rush hour. terminals (zongzham). Also called qichezhan, keyunzhan or Major streets often have 6 lanes or more. zhan. Zhongshan Avenue: Heavily traveled. BRT has reduced City is replacing older, diesel-fueled buses with (liquefied congestion and improved safety for motorists and petroleum gas( LPG)-fueled buses. pedestrians Local buses: Have exact change for fare or pay with Road mix includes many cyclists. Bike-only lanes are Yangchengtong (Yang Cheng Tong) card, a rechargeable common on larger streets. Traffic in bike lanes may be smartcard, used to pay fares on metro, buses, taxis and heavy. ferries in Guangzhou, Foshan, Huadu, Zengcheng and Motorcycles, electric scooters and electric bikes are banned Panyu. May also be accepted by stores, restaurants, parking in city center. meters, banks and other establishments. Drivers seldom yield to pedestrians. Use pedestrian bridges. Inter-city buses have routes to many major cities. Purchase When lacking, cross with caution. tickets well in advance. Subway system has eight lines. Bus service to Hong Kong is readily available. Many leave from major hotels. China's first inter-city subway, Guangfo Line, links Guangzhou and Foshan City. Reduces travel time from 90 Cross-border bus stations: minutes to 30 minutes.  Most commonly used station on Hong Kong border is A hub for national rail transport. Has many train stations. in Lo Wu. Check station indicated on ticket. Major stations:  Bus station in Zhuhai provides access to Macau.  Guangzhou Huochezhan (Guangzhou Railway Station): Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system is extensive; has helped Trains to many cities and regions. Metro lines 12 and 5 reduce congestion. stop at station. BRT has 31 routes. Route numbers begin with "B". Route B1  Guangzhou Dongzhan (East Railway Station): Trains to links Tiyu Zhongxin and Xiayuan. Occupies two middle Hong Kong and larger cities. Metro line 1 stops at lanes of Zhongshan Avenue. Corridor is separated from station. other lanes by physical barriers or clear road markings  Guangzhou Nanzhan (South Railway Station): High- Stations are included in the corridor, and are accessed by speed trains to border between and pedestrian bridges, at-grade crossings or tunnels. Hong Kong. Metro line 2 stops at station. Transport 30 flexible BRT routes run on a section of B1 corridor; from station to Lo Wu border crossing is by bus. remainder of route is on dedicated bus lanes on surface Service is every hour. roads.  Guangzhou North Railway Station is in Huadu District. BRT network has 7 transfer stations: Shangshe, Xueyuan, Tangxiacun, Tianlang Mingju, Huangcun, Zhucun and Train station staff may not speak English. Carry a phrasebook Shida Jida, and is connected to 17 metro stations. or travel with a Chinese speaker when visiting more remote areas of China. Pay fare with Yangchengtong (Yang Cheng Tong) card. Trains link city to Beijing, Shenzhen, Maoming, Meizhou and Service is reliable and frequent. Purchase pass before Shantou. High-speed trains link city with Wuhan. boarding. Trains link Guangzhou East railway station and Hung Hom May be overcrowded, especially during rush hour. KCR station in Kowloon, Hong Kong. BRT's low-floor buses improve accessibility Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is located 28 km (17 Falling hazard: Be alert when stepping across the 45 miles) north of city center in Huadu District. centimeter (18 in) gap between bottom step of bus and station platform.

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GUANGZHOU, CONTINUED CONDITIONS USEFUL INFORMATION Airport opened on August 5, 2004; replaced the original Pedestrians and private vehicles are not permitted to use Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. Also known as BRT's B1 route. "New Baiyun" to distinguish it from the older, smaller Non-BRT buses use short sections of BRT corridors. Routes airport. generally pass through suburbs. Passengers do not transfer  Metro links airport, East Railway Station and to BRT buses. Tiyu Xilu Metro Station. Service every 7 minutes. Taxis are readily available. Open 6 am to 11 pm. Foreigners often use taxis. Fares are inexpensive. Tolls are  Airport Express buses leave outside Arrivals Hall. added to fare. Depart every 10-15 minutes. Open 7 am until last flight A fuel surcharge is added to fare. A 50% surcharge is added leaves. Lines 1-6 go to central districts; lines 7-11 go to for journeys longer than 35 km. Keep receipt; it includes suburbs. taxi's ID number. Makes recovering items left in taxis  Airport shuttle buses serve 8 routes in the metropolitan easier. area. Shuttles also have routes between airport and Drivers may take circuitous routes and/or give change using major hotels. Routes and timetables are available on counterfeit money. airport's website: City is favorable for cycling. New, tree-lined cycle lanes have www.cantontradefair.com/ticketing/canairportbus.htm. improved cycling safety. Lanes link with BRT stops.  Direct buses provide transport to larger cities in region. Bike sharing system is reducing congestion. Can use  Metered taxis are available outside Arrivals Hall. Avoid Yangchengtong card to obtain bike at a bike station, ride to using unregistered taxis. BRT stop and leave bike at nearby bike station. No charge City is constructing a high-speed commuter line linking for first hour. Guangzhou, Shunde, Zhongshan, Jiangmen and Zhuhai. Bike lane are available along entire BRT network. Five secure Sections of the line are put in service when completed. bike parking areas available; most at western end of B1, Water transport is an important part of city's transport near Huajing Xincheng, Shangshe, and Xueyuan Stations. network. Folding bikes are permitted on subways and cross-river  Ferries to Hong Kong leave from Nansha Ferry ferries, but not on buses. Taxi drivers may allow folding Terminal or Lianhua Shan Ferry Terminal; go to China bikes in trunk. Ferry Terminal in Hong Kong.  Non-folding bikes are only permitted on cross-river  Ferries to Macau leave from Nansha Ferry Terminal; go ferries. to Hong Kong's Macau Ferry Pier. Bike theft is frequent. A good quality lock is essential.  Ferries are available for crossing city's rivers. Bicycles are not permitted to use Zhujiang Tunnel or Zhujiang Suspension Bridge. China Import and Export Fair is held annually in October and April. Also known as "Canton Fair." Held in Pazhou Complex. Traffic is congested during the fairs. HONG KONG ASIRT HAS A SEPARATE REPORT FOR HONG KONG. ISLAND CONDITIONS USEFUL INFORMATION Roads linking main cities are generally in good condition. Located in Fujian Province in Taiwan Straits. is the Roads in remote rural areas are often unpaved and capital. potholed. In island's urban areas, buses, taxis, motorbike taxis, Western Expressway (G225), links Haikou with cities on motorized tricycles and pedal tricycles provide transport. island's western coast and Sanya. A newer road; generally Buses are the main means of public transport. in good condition. Road is generally flat. Unsafe for Long distance bus transport to mainland destinations is cycling due to higher travel speeds. readily available. Eastern Highway, an older road; may be in poor condition. Bus transport between Haikou and Sanya is frequent. Leave from south and east stations.

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HAINAN ISLAND, CONTINUED CONDITIONS USEFUL INFORMATION Eastern Expressway (G223), links Haikou with cities on Taxis are plentiful in Haikou and Sanya. Fares are higher than island's eastern coast and Sanya. Newer road; generally in on the mainland. Taxis are metered. Bargaining with driver good condition. Shorter than Eastern Highway. Generally may reduce fare. flat. Not recommended for cycling due to higher travel High speed Haikou-Sanya train runs near island's eastern speeds. coast. Haiwen Expressway, serves Haikou Wencheng on island's northeastern coast. Haiyu Middle Highway, passes through mountainous interior region. Links Qiongzhong Town, Five Finger Mountain (Wu Zhi Shan) and Sayna. Travel is slower than on expressways. HAIKOU CONDITIONS USEFUL INFORMATION Traffic is heavily congested in rush hour. Capital of Hainan Island. Main roads generally have a side lane, separated from main Extensive local bus service is available. traffic flow by a median. Side lane is reserved for 2- Inter-city buses from Haikou serve most areas of the island. wheeled vehicles. Local buses serving Haikou are generally air-conditioned. Flat Main roads often have high barriers in median to prevent fare for all destinations. jaywalking. Haikou has a south, east and west bus station. Also has a bus Few roads have roundabouts. Mainly found on Hai Xiu Road. station XinGang passenger port. Red light cameras monitor most large intersections. Taxis are readily available. Electric motorbikes provide , Haikou's northern suburb, is separated from transport in city. Gas-powered motorbikes are banned. the city by Haidian River. Four bridges link the suburb with Self-drive rental cars are available. A Chinese driver's license city's Guomao suburb. is required. Rental cars with a driver are also available. Haikou Meilan International Airport is located 26 km Rental bicycles are available at bike stations in the city and at (16 miles) from city center. Website: bike shops. www.mlairport.com/Meilan_Airport_Web/en/index.aspx. Haikou Railway Station is on Yuehai Dadao, also known as  Airport buses provide transport to the city. Service is city's Western Ring Road. Station is 20 km from city center. every 30 minutes. Open 5:30 am to 11:00 pm. Buses and taxis provide transport between station, city  Buses and taxis provide transport between station and center and Haikou Meilan Airport. city center. Hainan Eastern Ring Railway, located on Fengxiang West  An underground transit channel links airport with Road. Provides high speed rail service to Haikou Railway Hainan Eastern Ring Railway's airport stop. Station, Meilan Airport and Sanya. Train stops at most  Bullet train provides transport to Sanya, a tourist center tourist attractions. at island's southern tip. Train is accessible from inside Rail service is available to the mainland, via a causeway. airport. Ten trains daily. HUAIYIN DISTRICT IN JINAN CITY, PROVINCE CONDITIONS USEFUL INFORMATION Between 2004 and 2010, road risk decreased from 3.49 An industrial center. Consists of 12 sub-districts and 2 towns. fatalities per 10,000 people in 2004 to 2.13 in 2010. Factors A poor district; includes 80% of Jinan metropolitan area's contributing to decrease include implementing several road shanty towns. safety initiatives under WHO's direction. In 2008, was designated as China's first "Safe Community." Roads are adequately maintained and monitored to identify Formed a committee to promote traffic, medical, fire and "black spots" (road sections with frequent crashes). workplace safety. Jing Tenth West Road, an arterial route. Formerly a high risk Medical care is readily available in the district. road; has been expanded road to four lanes with traffic lights and speed cameras at 13 intersections.

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HUAIYIN DISTRICT IN JINAN CITY, SHANDONG PROVINCE, CONTINUED CONDITIONS USEFUL INFORMATION Road signs indicate speed limits, school zones, "black spots," steep sections of the road and other dangers, "T" intersections and high pedestrian traffic areas. Roads have markings, including pedestrian crossings and deceleration zones. Command Center monitors traffic. Can redirect traffic flow to minimize backups and dispatch prompt emergency medical response to crashes. JINAN CITY, CAPITAL OF SHANDONG PROVINCE CONDITIONS USEFUL INFORMATION A transportation hub. Capital of Shandong Province; located south of the Yellow City is served by several expressways: River and north of The Tai'an massif (mountain range).  China National Highway 104; links Beijing, Fuzhou, City center is relatively small. Jinan, Xuzhou, Nanjing, Hangzhou and Taizhou. Has two major bus stations. One serves long distance buses,  China National Highway 220 links , Jiyang, and a second, located near the train station, serves local and Madian, Jinan, Changqing and in Shandong regional buses. Province and Lankao, Zhongmou and in Local buses are often crowded. Province. Buses serving city center generally have 2-digit numbers.  China National Highway 309 (G309) links Jinan with Buses with 3 digits generally serve routes between city several cities in Shandong, , Shaanxi, Ningxia center and the suburbs. and provinces. Buses with numbers beginning with "K" are air-conditioned. Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport is 33 km northeast of Air conditioner may not be working. "K" buses are city center, near town of Yaoqiang. Expressways link Jinan generally more comfortable and less crowded than non-air- and the airport. conditioned buses.  Bus transport is available. Identifying right bus stop: Sign for each bus stop includes numbers of all buses assigned to the stop. Numbers are in  Shuttle buses provide transport between city center and English and Chinese. Bus routes are posted; but only in the airport. Runs hourly from 6 am to 5 pm. Chinese. Main train station is north of city center. Taxis are available; Bus 83 serves city center. Bus K51 serves Quancheng Square arranging transport may be difficult. When possible, have and Thousand Buddha Mountain. someone meet you at the station. Taxis are readily available, except during rush hours (7am- 8am and 6pm-7pm). Taxis are difficult to use if you do not speak Chinese. Drivers seldom speak English and often are unable to read maps. Have your destination written in Chinese. Drivers may charge foreign visitors higher fares, or take circuitous routes. Negotiate fare and destination. Motorcycle taxis and other unregulated taxis are not recommended, due to high road risk. JINGHONG CONDITIONS USEFUL INFORMATION Gasa International Airport, also known as Jinghong Capital of Xishuangbanna Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan International Airport, is located in Jinghong's Gasa district. Province. Located along the Mekong River. Local and inter-city bus service is available.

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KUNMING, CITY OF ETERNAL SPRING CONDITIONS USEFUL INFORMATION City is growing rapidly. Traffic is often heavily congested, Capital of Yunnan Province in southwestern China. even during off-peak hours. Located in central Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, along Lake Gridlock is common. Construction of new roads is ongoing. Dian's northern shore. Mountains border city to the north, Be alert for construction zones. east and west. City's highest elevation is 4,247 m (13,934 Serves as a transportation and commerce hub for South and ft) above sea level; lowest point is 695 m (2,280 ft) above . Major roads connect city with Vietnam, sea level. Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar. Consists of "Old City," a modern commercial district, Main arterial routes in the city: residential areas and several industrial "Development  Beijing Lu, a north-south arterial route; passes through Zones." city center. Becomes Renmin Xi Lu after leaving city. City center is becoming more pedestrian friendly. Largest The road is first section of Burma Road. pedestrian streets are Jie, Jingxing Birds-Flowers' Market, and Jinma Biji Fang.  Huancheng Lu, first ring road. Public buses and taxis are primary means of transport in the Main squares and streets in city center: city. Bus service is well developed in most sections of the  Main squares: Jinma Biji Square, Nanping Square and city. Open 6 am to 9:30 or 10:00 pm. Stand near door to get Dongfeng Square. off. Stops may be announced in English.  Major streets: Nanping Jie, Jinbi Lu, Renmin Lu, Buses have assigned routes. Obtain maps of routes from Zhengyi Lu and Jingxin Jie. vendors or kiosks. The maps may have errors.  Main commercial areas: Qingnian Lu, Zhengyi Lu, and Drivers do not stop at all marked bus stops on their route, Renmin Lu. only at stops assigned to them. Roads link the city with cities in Yunnan, Sichuan, Guizhou, Fares are higher for air-conditioned buses. Guangxi provinces, and Tibet. Major roads serving city: Bus stations near train stations only serve local routes.  Kunming-Wanding Highway, also known as the Burma City has four major long-distance bus stations, located at the Road. northern, southern, eastern and western fringe of the city.  Yunnan - Tibet Highway, via Dali, , and Diqing Buses heading west leave from West Bus Station (Xibu  Kunming - Hekou Highway, via the Stone Forest, Keyun Zhan). Buses heading south leave from South Bus Kaiyuan and Mengzi Station, etc.  Kunming - Daluo Highway, via Yuxi, Mojiang, Simao There are routes to most regional destinations; service is and Jinghong good. Long-distance buses are reliable and comfortable.  Yunnan - Guizhou Highway, via Qujing Fares are moderate.  Kunming - Baise Highway, the Stone Forest, Kaiyuan, Classes of buses: Regular and gaokuai (highway express). Yanshan, Wenshan and Funing Fares are higher, and travel is faster on Express buses.  Kunming - Suijiang Highway, via Dongchuan and Overnight, sleeper buses are often in poor condition and may Zhaolong be cold in winter. When possible, check bus before purchasing tickets. Has 2 ring roads. First ring road has 2 parts: the Northern Ring Road and Southern Ring Road. Also known as the Bus service may be available to Laos. Routes end in city's major ring road. Vientaine. Buses are generally in good condition, but make frequent stops. The ring roads intersect with Kun Shi Highway, providing easy access to Wujiaba International Airport. Bus service to Hekou, a city near the Vietnam border, run regularly. From Hekou, buses are available to many Six major rail lines converge in Kunming. Rail service destinations in Vietnam. includes passenger lines to Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, , Chengdu, Guangzhou, Beihai and Hanoi in Bus drivers may speed or stop suddenly. Vietnam. A common scam at bus stations: Men may offer to carry your Kunming Wujiaba International Airport, 5 km southeast of baggage and then request payment of a fee. May have false city center. Taxis and buses provide transport. Buses bus company ID and threaten to call police. However, price generally operate 6am to 10pm. of ticket includes all fees. Refuse to pay. Rail lines link Kunming with many cities in China. Main rail City has 6 Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridors. lines: Guikun(Guiyang-Kunming), Nankun (Nanning- Metro lines one and two are under construction. Be alert for Kunming) and Chengkun (Chengdu-Kunming). construction zones. Completion expected in 2012.

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KUNMING, CONTINUED CONDITIONS USEFUL INFORMATION Rail lines link Kunming with Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam.  Line One will link city center and Chenggong New Main rail stations: City. Will be extended to the International Airport.  , located at the southern end  Line Two runs north to south, linking North Bus Station of Beijing Xi Lu. Serves most of rail traffic to other and Fubao District. provinces. Taxis are readily available. Demand for taxis is highest  Kunming North Railway Station: Serves trains to and around 6:30. from Hanoi, Vietnam. Travel time, 32 hours. Some taxi drivers ask for a flat fee. Flat fees are generally Cycling is common. Many major roads have bike lanes. more expensive than fees based on the meter. Ask driver to Rental bikes are available at many hotels and hostels. Bikes start meter. and scooters may not be parked on sidewalks. Larger taxis charge higher fares. Passengers must pay fare Kunming Wujiaba International Airport is located 5 km plus a fuel tax. southeast of city center. Taxis fares increase after 10pm  Airport shuttle buses, public buses and taxis provide Taxis are zoned. Drivers are not permitted to operate outside transport between airport and city center. their assigned zone. LHASA, CAPITAL OF TIBET CONDITIONS USEFUL INFORMATION Expressways link the city with several main cities in Minibuses provide public transport in the city. Full size buses mainland China. provide inter-city transport between main cities. Lhasa-Gonggar Airport Expressway, toll-free, four-lane road, Many buses and taxis are overloaded. links Lhasa Railway Station and Gonggar Airport. Taxis are available; fares are fixed. Pedicabs also provide City's road network is inadequate for rapidly growing vehicle transport. fleet. Private vehicles account for 70% of vehicle fleet. Rental bikes available at most hostels. Traffic is often congested. Road crash rate is increasing 13% Western Bus Station is open longer than other bus stations. annually. is located 98 km (61 mile) south of Residents' lack of road safety awareness contributes to high the city in Gonggar County in Tibet's Shannan Region. risk for road users and pedestrians. Serves flights to many major cities in China. Flight delays Traffic lights and pedestrian bridges or underpasses are often possible in late spring and summer due to sand storms. lacking. Pedestrian fatalities are common.  Transportation between city and airport is provided by Traffic management is inadequate. shuttle buses. Parking is inadequate in city center. NANNING CONDITIONS USEFUL INFORMATION A transportation hub. Capital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in Traffic is often heavily congested. During rush hour, average southwestern China. The city is a transportation gateway to travel speed on major roads is about 29 km/h. and from Vietnam. Many main roads have been widened. China National Highway 210 links city with Baotou in Inner Several main roads are one way. Mongolia. Road also goes through Shaazxi, Sichuan, Chongqui and Guizhou provinces. Bypassing backups is difficult, due to inadequately developed secondary road network. Most secondary roads have been City's major bus stations: not been widened.  Langdong Bus Terminal is on Mínzú Dàdào (Mínzú Drivers of cars and motorcycles often use bus-only lanes, Road), east of city center. slowing bus transport.  Bus Terminal is on Xingguang Dadao, south Traffic commonly backs up near construction zones, which of city center. are frequent throughout the city. Yunde Bus Company provides transport between the city and Traffic mix includes many non-motorized vehicles, China-Vietnam border. At border, travelers transfer to a pedestrians and motorcyclists. Vietnamese owned bus and continue to Hanoi. Direct transport is also available to Haiphong and Ha Long Bay.

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NANNING, CONTINUED CONDITIONS USEFUL INFORMATION Drivers often do not obey traffic laws. Local buses serve routes in and near the city. Pedestrians often jaywalk. Taxis are readily available. Driver adds a surcharge for fuel. Parking is scarce. Train station is north of the city on Chaoyang Road. Nanning Wuxu International Airport serves city. Local bus 301 and shuttle buses provide transport to and from airport. Taxis are also available. Drivers may refuse to use meter, but do not overcharge. SHANGHAI CONDITIONS USEFUL INFORMATION A financial, cultural, educational, industrial, technology, Largest city in China; one of the country's four province-level shipping and transport center; has several Development . Located in eastern China on a peninsula in Zones, each dedicated to specific industries. the Yangtze River Delta. A major transportation hub. Expressways link city with City is divided by the Huangpu River. Beijing (G2), Haikou (G15), Xi'an (G40), Chengdu (G42),  Puxi area, city’s historic center, developed west of the Ningbo, Kunming (60) and Chongqing (G50). river. Includes 8 districts known as Shanghai Proper or Central districts have several elevated, limited-access the core city. Pudong, city’s newer sections, developed expressways, constructed above main surface-level roads. east of the river. Route numbers for municipal expressways have an “S” City includes Chongming Island and several smaller islands. prefix. Nanjing Road, city's main shopping street; runs east-west in Driving in central districts is not recommended due to city center. Traffic is often congested. Traffic jams are complexity of road network, abundance of one-way common. Street has two sections: streets, heavily congested traffic, undisciplined driving  Nanjing Road East, in Huangpu District. Links The culture, heavy pedestrian traffic, inadequate parking and Bund and People's Square. Includes a pedestrianized ongoing road and Metro construction projects. section. City uses an auction system to grant new license plates to  Nanjing Road West, links People's Square and Jing'an limit new car purchases. District. Traffic conditions, road and building construction sites and  Subway Line 2 runs under the street; stops at four congested walkways make pedestrian travel challenging. stations along street. Line 2 intersects with at Pedestrian facilities include zebra crossings, underground Jing’an Temple station. passageways or overhead bridges. Pedestrians often jay Public transport is well developed. Most transport is via Metro, walk. buses and taxis. Can pay fares on all transport options in Be alert for pedestrians darting out into traffic, and cyclists Shanghai and surrounding area using the Shanghai Public and motorcyclists riding without lights turned on at night. Transportation Card, also known as jiaotong yikatong. Card Electric-bike and electric scooter riders often do not obey is also usable at parking garages, auto repair centers, tourist traffic laws and may drive recklessly and/or aggressively. centers and on expressways. Card is rechargeable. Can also Shanghai Pudong International Airport is located 40 km east be used in Wuxi Tai and Suzhou. of city. Has two large terminals; linked by free shuttle City has an extensive bus network. Most buses are newer service. Airport handles most international flights to the models, in good condition and air-conditioned. city. Night bus route numbers begin with #3. Provide service after  Maglev high-speed trains provide transport to People's 11:00 pm. Square in city center. Maglev station is located Route information at bus stops is in Chinese. Announcements between the terminals. Open 6:45 AM to 9:30 PM given on buses are in Chinese and English. daily. Service every 15-30 minutes, depending on time Buses are generally crowded during rush hour. of day. Only stop is at Metro Line 2's Longyang Road Metro Station. Taxis serving in the city charge low fares. Avoid giving drivers large bills for short rides. Drivers do not like to give change.  High-speed train links the airport and Longyang Road Drivers do not speak English. For assistance, call phone Metro Station. number displayed in the back of the taxi for assistance in English. Agent will explain your destination to the driver.

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SHANGHAI, CONTINUED CONDITIONS USEFUL INFORMATION  Metro Line 2 stops at the airport. Metro trains are Taxis are scarce in rush hour and during rains. short. There may be a 90 minute wait for a train. Taxi drivers are not permitted to pick up passengers who are Hongqiao Railway Station is near the airport. not part of your group. Object if driver attempts to do so.  Express buses provide transport from both airports to Taxi colors are strictly controlled and indicate name of taxi nearby major cities, including Nanjing, Suzhou and company. Avoid dark red and maroon taxis, reserved for Hangzhou. small taxi companies; drivers often charge higher fares.  Buses, taxis, and shuttles provide transportation Avoid privately-owned taxis. License plates have an "X" in between the Bund and the Hongqiao airport. the number; drivers often charge higher fares. Major railway stations: , Shanghai uses lines and subways to provide South Railway Station, Shanghai Hongqiao Railway transport in central and suburban districts. Metro network Station. The stations are served by Metro lines. has grown rapidly. Has 12 lines in operation. Jinghu Railway links Shanghai and Beijing. Huhang Fares are low. Schedules and signs for subway stations and Railway links Shanghai and Hangzhou. station arrival announcements are in Mandarin and English. Hongqiao Station: Serves 3 high-speed trains linking Transfers between lines are free. Shanghai with Hangzhou, Nanjing and Beijing. Metro may be crowded in rush hour. Lines 6 and 8 are often ZhangJiang Tram provides transport on two lines: overcrowded. Causes delays at the stations. Avoid in rush ZhangJiang Hi-Tech Park Station to Heqing Town, and hour. Metro workers push commuters into carriages so doors ZhangJiang Hi-Tech Park Station to Jinqiu Road. In can close. service 5:45 am to 11 pm. Trams run every 3 minutes.  Metro has opened new bus routes along most heavily Bicycles and motorcycles are not permitted on many major used metro lines, but few commuters use them. roads, in tunnels or on bridges between Pudong and Puxi. Safety problems with Metro: Inadequately trained operators, Use ferry to cross river. Signs indicate where cycling is mal-functioning doors, faulty signaling and defective not permitted. windows. 50cc motorcycles must be registered; driver's license is not Motorized Two-wheelers required. City is favorable for cycling, due to flat terrain except in gentle Motorcycles larger than 50 cc must be registered; driver's hills in southwestern section. Rental bikes are available. license is required. Cyclists and riders of motorized two-wheelers should use cycle Air pollution levels are often high. lanes. Obey pedestrian lights; walk across intersections in City's average elevation is 4 meters (13 ft) above sea level. pedestrian crosswalks to move though heavy traffic more Lower lying areas are vulnerable to flooding during quickly. prolonged regional rains, typhoons, tropical storms,  Separate cycle lanes are available on main secondary tsunamis. Severe flooding may close roads and halt all roads. transportation. Cyclists often park on sidewalks. Bike theft is high. Use a good bike lock, especially when parking in less traveled areas. Attended bike parks are available in some heavily traveled areas. Electric bikes (e-bikes) and electric scooters must be registered. Driver's license is not required. Often stolen. Securely lock when parked.  E-bikes have a short battery range; must recharge battery after 50 km. Electric scooters have a longer battery range, and are faster and more comfortable. SHENYANG, ALSO KNOWN AS MUKDEN CONDITIONS CONDITIONS Jingshen Expressway links city and Beijing. Capital of Province; major port and industrial center. Expressways are available to Jilin and Heilongjiang Shenhe District ("Old City) is easily walked. provinces. Shenyang Qiche Kuaisu Keyun Zhan, main bus station; located Shenda Expressway links city with Dalian and its port. on Huigong Jie. Serves long-distance routes to major cities.

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SHENYANG, ALSO KNOWN AS MUKDEN, CONTINUED CONDITIONS CONDITIONS A rail hub. Office of South Bus Station is on Minzhu Square, near South  North Train Station is on Beizhan; serves most long- Train Station. Buses queue up on Minzhu Lu, Minzhu distance trains. Square and nearby streets. Buses also serve shorter routes to cities in Liaoyang Province. Closes at 6 pm.  South Train Station is on Shengli Beijie; serves most trains to northeastern destinations and regional stops. Local bus service is well developed. Difficult to use if you cannot read Chinese. Obtain a city bus map at a train station. Trains may stop at both stations; be certain which station your train uses. Buses of major companies queue up near train stations. Bus 203 provides transport between train stations. Shenyang Taoxian International Airport is located 30 km (19 miles) south of the city. Airport shuttle provides transport Taxis are readily available. Use taxis with meter mounted on to main China Northern Airlines ticket office. Office is dashboard where easily seen. located at 117 Zhonghua Road. Service is frequent. has one line; runs east-west across city. SUZHOU, ALSO KNOWN AS THE VENICE OF ASIA CONDITIONS CONDITIONS Driving in the city is not recommended, due to aggressive Located in Jiangsu province along shore of Lake Taihu, in driver behaviors. Yangtze River delta. Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians often assume they have right Suzhou metropolitan area includes three cities: Changshu, of way. Use caution even when walking. Zhangjiagang and Kunshan. Also has several development Streets are narrow in historic Suzhou. Traffic may be zones, the largest of which are Suzhou Industrial Park congested. (SIP), Suzhou Hi-tech Development Zone and Suzhou New Public transport vehicles are often crowded. District (SND). Roads in development zones are broader and less congested than in city center. High speed Bullet trains link the city with Shanghai and Nanjing. Service is frequent. Long-distance bus service to main destinations is available. Purchase tickets at stations or from travel agents. Buses providing transport to Shanghai's Hongqiao Airport leave from city center. Taxis are readily available. Drivers seldom speak English. TAIYUAN CONDITIONS USEFUL INFORMATION A transportation hub. Main roads serving the city: Capital of Province.  Datong-Yuncheng Highway, runs north to south. Also known as Bingzhou, Jinyang and Dragon City.  China National Highway 208 (G208), runs through An industrial center and China's largest coal mining region. Taiyuan Economic and Technological Development Industries are concentrated in northern districts. Zone (TETDZ). G208 is part of Asian Highway 3 Inter-city bus transport: (AH3); gives city access to many cities in China and Buses to Datong leave from Taiyuan Railway Station and other countries. Taiyuan Coach Terminal.  State Highway No. 307, runs east of TETDZ. Buses to Pingyao leave from Jiannan Coach Station.  Taiyuan-Yuci First-rate Motorway. Buses to Pingyao Ancient City leave from Coach Station on  Can access Taiyuan-Shijiazhuang-Beijing Expressway Yingze Avenue. 2 km from the city's Taiyuan Economic and Buses to Wutai Mountain leave from Taiyuan Long-Distance Technological Development Zone. Bus Station. City's main roads are generally in good condition. Local buses leave from the Railway Station Square. Taiyuan Wusu International Airport is located 18 kilometers Taxis are available; fares are fixed. (11 miles) southeast of city center. Passenger trains serving the city: Taiyuan-Jiaozhou, Beijing- TETDZ is 2 km from Taiyuan Wusu International Airport. Taiyuan and Shijiazhuang-Taiyuan lines. Taiyuan Wusu International Airport was upgraded to serve as a supplemental airport for Beijing Olympics.

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TIANJIN CONDITIONS USEFUL INFORMATION Fourteen trunk roads link city with main cities in China. Local bus transport is well developed. Three ring roads reduce congestion in central districts. Tourist buses provide transport to popular tourist destinations. Two major roads link the city with Beijing: Beijing-Tianjin Charter buses are available. Highway and the newer Beijing-Tianjin-Tanggu Taxis are readily available. Fare is based on distance and Expressway. vehicle type. City's , is a large container port. Heavy truck Registered taxis have a certificate hanging near the meter. traffic is common on main roads leading to the port. Metro has one line serving 8 stations: Xinhualu, Yingkoudao, Main train stations: Anshandao, Haiguangsi, Erweilu, Xinanjiao, Xibeijiao and  Tianjin Station, West Station and North Station Xizhan stations. Is being extended from Xinhualu to  Tianjin Station, in city center east of Jiefang Bridge. Xiaobailou, Tucheng, Fuxingmen and Tianjin College of Finance and Economics. Be alert for construction zones  North Station, in city's . along route.  West Station, at the northern end of Jinpu rail line. Tianjin Binhai International airport is located 13 km (8.8  South Station, in city's Hedong District. miles) from city center in Zhangguizhuang section of city's Tourist trains available to Beijing, Chengde, Jixian and Dongli District;. Tai'an. , ALSO KNOWN AS AMOY CONDITIONS USEFUL INFORMATION Fuzhou-Xiamen and Zhangzhou-Xiamen Expressways link Major city and port in southeastern China. Located in Fujian city with main road network in Fujian Province and Province. Consists of , Island and neighboring provinces. four coastal districts, Haicang, Jimei, Tong'an and Xiang'an. Gaoji (Gaoqi-Jimei) Causeway and link Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport is on the northern side of Xiamen Island with mainland. Xiamen Island. Airport shuttle buses provide transport Motorcycles, mopeds and use of vehicle horns are banned in between airport and city center. Tickets available in Xiamen. Domestic Arrivasl Hall. Cars are banned on Gulangyu Island.  Bus station is near the airport. Service is provided to Most public transport is provided by local buses and city's Ferry and Train Stations and main cities in neighboring five Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridors. districts.  BRT buses run on bus-only lanes on expressways.  Can transfer to inter-city buses at Long-Distance Routes have no traffic lights. Maximum speed for Passenger Transport Stations. buses is 60 km/h (37 mph). Buses are air-conditioned.  Taxis are available at the taxi queue outside Arrival  Shuttle buses provide transport between local areas and Hall. Drivers charge a 50% surcharge for trips longer BRT stops. Flat fare regardless of distance. than 8 km (4.9 miles). Taxis are readily available.  Taxies to outlying districts of Xiamen, Quanzhou, Many residents commute by bike, especially on Xiamen Shishi and other nearby cities are available at the West Island. Ground-level Car Park. ZHANGMU TOWN, ALSO KNOWN AS KASA OR TIBET'S "MOUNTAIN CITY" CONDITIONS USEFUL INFORMATION Growing rapidly. Traffic is often congested, especially in the An inland port, near Sino-Nepal border and Mount Everest. afternoon. Lies across Bhote Koshi River from Kodari, Nepal. Cities Main road is winding, narrow crowded. are linked by the Sino-Nepal-Friendship Bridge. Area City's narrow streets are difficult for trucks to negotiate. within 18 miles of the border is a free market zone. City is a major trading post. Streets are lined by many roadside stores. Urban planning is lacking. Residential areas are located on Parking is scarce. Drivers often park on streets. the steep southern slopes of the Himalaya Mountains.

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ZHANGMU TOWN, ALSO KNOWN AS KASA OR TIBET'S "MOUNTAIN CITY," CONTINUED CONDITIONS USEFUL INFORMATION Road linking city with Nyalam Town and Qupo passes Houses are linked by steep, narrow streets and stone steps, through high, steep mountains and deep valleys. Waterfalls which are generally slippery. frequently cascade down onto the road. Bus transport is limited. Bus service links city and Lhasa. Sino-Nepal Highway serves the city. Trucks transporting Transport is available once on Friday. Trip takes 14 hours. goods to Nepal must be unloaded in Zhangu, where goods Minibuses, land cruisers and taxis provide transport to tourist are transferred to Nepalese trucks. Causes long delays at destinations in the area, including Mt. Everest Base Camp. border crossing.

RURAL TRAVEL NIGHT TRAVEL  Conditions on inter-city highways and arterial routes are  Road risk is high when traveling by road at night, except covered in "General Road Conditions" and "Road on expressways. Information" sections. This section primarily addresses  Truck drivers and motorcyclists may not use headlights conditions on roads serving small cities, villages and at night. May flash lights on and off to warn others to more remote areas. get out of the way.  Over 3.3 million kilometers of roads serve rural villages  Bicycles seldom have lights and few have reflectors. and cities. Improvements in rural road network are  Be alert for cyclists and motorcyclists riding on the ongoing. wrong side of the road.  Secondary and tertiary roads are often narrow, In areas  Drivers who do use lights at night generally do not dim with heavy truck traffic, yield to trucks and give lights for approaching cars. oncoming truck drivers as much of the road as possible.  Pedestrians often wear dark clothing, and may walk  Condition and maintenance of roads is poor to fair. down the middle of road with their backs to oncoming  The quality of rural roads is often inadequate, especially traffic. in western China.  In rural areas, may encounter people sleeping on the  Road crashes are frequent. road.  Risk is high where minor rural roads intersect with main roads. PEDESTRIAN TRAVEL  Intersections are often difficult for drivers on arterial routes to see in time to stop.  Pedestrian risk of being injured in a crash is increasing annually.  Local road users often lack an understanding of road safety principles.  Use caution when crossing streets. Pedestrians do not have right of way.  Pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and tractor drivers often do not account for higher speeds typical  Drivers often fail to yield to pedestrians, and seldom on main roads. slow down when approaching a pedestrian crossing.  Two-wheeled tractors are the most common means of  Many drivers do not stop for red lights, even when motorized transport. Tractors often lack headlights and pedestrians are in a crosswalk. are difficult to see at night.  Crossing urban streets is most difficult where there are  Be alert for freely wandering livestock. May encounter no police or red light cameras. herds of yak when rounding bends on mountainous  Pedestrian bridges and underpasses are often lacking. routes between Yunnan or Sichuan provinces and Tibet.  Be alert for unexpected road hazards, such as unmarked  Common factors in crashes in mountainous areas: open manholes. unsuitable vehicles, poor maintenance and overloading.  Pedestrians may be fined for crossing against crosswalk  Landslides and falling rocks are common on narrow, signals. mountainous roads. Roads may be severely damaged by  Pedestrians are often hit by vehicles using the wrong heavy rains. Inquire locally about road conditions on lane. planned routes.  Cars and buses often hit pedestrians and cyclists on  Availability of public transportation is improving. Bus sidewalks. Use caution when walking near traffic. transport is available in most rural villages and cities.  Serious crashes involving pedestrians and electric scooters occur annually. Electric scooters make virtually no noise, increasing risk. ROAD TRAVEL REPORT: CHINA 18 © ASIRT 2011

 In a Shanghai study 41% of students violated laws when  In winter, heavy snow often blocks roads in eastern crossing streets and 48% when riding a bicycle. 42% of regions. Avalanches are possible. Arterial routes are the students reported not wearing a seat belt. reopened as quickly as possible.  In spring, landslides are common following heavy SEASONAL TRAVEL rains. Main roads temporarily impassible.  Snow and ice removal is good on arterial routes. Police  In southern Tibet, roads may be impassible due to presence is higher when road conditions are poor. heavy rains in June-September. High winds are common November-May.  Heavy snow in central and eastern regions may cause expressway closures and flight cancellations. Trains are  Average temperature in winter (October through May less affected by deep snows, but are often overcrowded. or June) is below zero. Book ahead, especially during Spring Festival.  Rainy season in the Kham region (eastern Tibet,  In winter, Beijing often has high winds. When southern Qinghai, western Sichuan and northern Yunnan temperatures drop near zero, many cyclists and provinces). pedestrians travel by car, taxi or bus. Creates a  Rainfall highest in late June -August; main roads are congestion nightmare. oad crashes are often highest in generally open. Unpaved roads and trails become August. Serious road crashes are generally most muddy or swampy. Areas near rivers and streams, frequent in January. often flooded. Travel is not recommended.  Coastal areas of Hainan, Guangdong, Fujian, and  Fog, avalanches and landslides are common in Zhejiang Provinces are subject to typhoons during the mountainous areas. summer rainy season; are most frequent in July and  Secondary roads from Yunnan or Sichuan Province to August. May cause airport closures. Monitor weather Tibet are most easily navigated from April to mid-June conditions daily. and mid-September through October or early  In the Yunnan Province, monsoons are most frequent in November. Road conditions are poor in rainy season July through September. Unpaved roads to villages are (latter part of June-August). Heavy snows are most often impassable, even by tractors. frequent from December through March.  Xishuangbanna, an autonomous prefecture in Yunnan  Kunming is located near the tropics, but has a temperate Province, has heavy rains June through August. climate due to its high elevation, 2,000 meters (6,000 ft) September through February, thick fog is common until above sea level. late evening.  Shanghai has four seasons. Winter is cold and damp.  Roads through Khunjerab Pass on Karakorum Highway Affected by northwesterly winds from Siberia; may may be hazardous during summer months due to drop below freezing, but seldom snows. Summers are landslides. hot and humid; may have severe thunderstorms.  Sand storms are increasing in frequency and intensity in Typhoons may affect the city; often in summer and central and eastern sections of the early autumn. In spring, weather may change rapidly; Autonomous Region. Strong winds/cyclones sweep in rains may be frequent. Autumn is generally dry and from desert areas in western Mongolia and China's sunny. Inner Mongolia region. May severely affect road  Road crash injuries and fatalities generally increase conditions and air quality in many regions of China and during national holidays. National holidays vary by neighboring countries, and halt all forms of region. transportation. May last 2-3 days.  National holidays Mainland China, Hong Kong and  Dust devils or clouds of dust blowing across the road Macau have in common include: can reduce visibility to 100 meters or less.  New Year's Day, Jan. 1  High drifts of sand and sediment may block roads  Chinese (Lunar) New Year, also known as the Spring and rail lines. Houses are often partially buried by Festival or Chinese New Year Day. Lasts 3 days. sand dunes. China’s most important family holiday. Occurs in  Severe sandstorms are becoming more common in mid-January to late February.* spring.  Labor Day, May 1-3rd in Mainland China  Seasonal travel in Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) May 1 in Hong Kong and Macau  Extreme temperature changes often occur between  Buddha's Birthday, in May* daytime and night, regardless of season; may affect  National Day, Oct. 1-5 in Mainland China driving conditions. Oct. 1 in Hong Kong and Macau  Ching Ming Festival, April 5; also known as Tomb Sweeping Day ROAD TRAVEL REPORT: CHINA 19 © ASIRT 2011

 Dragon Boat Festival, in June, also known as Tuen  From May 1 to May 15, 2011, the incidence of Ng Festival * drunken driving decreased 82% in Beijing, compared  Mid Autumn Festival, one day holiday* to the same period a year ago.  Winter Solstice Festival, December 22; also known  Police use check points to detect speeding drivers. Signs as Dong Zhi *Dates vary. posted at speed checkpoints:  Additional holidays celebrated in Hong Kong and  Radar units: "雷达测速区" Macau, except for Hong Kong SAR Establishment Day:  Speed cameras: "超速摄像" include:  Enforcement of laws prohibiting overloading of  Good Friday to following Monday* transport vehicles is improving. Fines for overloading  Hong Kong SAR Establishment Day, July 1 vehicles are high. Drivers may lose license for  Chung Yeung Festival, in October* overloading.  Christmas Day, December 25  Improved enforcement of law against overcrowding buses is reducing high fatality bus crash rates.  Boxing Day, December 26 *Dates vary.  In Shenzhen, police often check for valid driving  Additional holidays only celebrated in Macau: licenses, especially foreign drivers. Checkpoints are  All Soul's Day, November 2 most frequent in Special Economic Zones (SEZs).  Feast of the Immaculate Conception, December 8  Some regions have command centers that supervise and  Macau SAR Establishment Day, December 20 coordinate police patrols.  Christmas Eve & Christmas Day – December 24-25  Results of Beijing’s improved enforcement of traffic  Roads in larger cities are often gridlocked during Spring laws: Festival and Autumn Festival.  Increased driver compliance with road regulations.  Guangzhou hosts the China Import and Export Fair  Fewer drivers driving without a license. (Canton Fair) in April-May and October-November.  Fewer road crashes and fatalities in Beijing. Well attended events; hotel accommodations are scarce.  Fewer tickets issued for passing illegally, speeding, Public transport vehicles are often overcrowded. and overloading.  Police may impose temporary travel restricts on some POLICE ENFORCEMENT areas.  Police enforcement is improving and is intensified  In Guangzhou, police use a real-time traffic information during major holidays. system to detect traffic jams. If a crash occurs, officers  New traffic laws have strengthened penalties for many use system to send taxis and buses to help clear the driving offenses, including speeding and driving while scene quickly. under the influence of alcohol. Enforcement of the laws is improving.

ROAD REGULATIONS  Driving is on the right in mainland China, but is on the  Brief exam to determine if driver has any physical or left in Hong Kong and Macau. visual disability would affect driving skills.  Driver's license requirements to drive in mainland  In larger cities, drivers may be able to convert an IDP to China: a provisional Chinese license. May be required to take a  Many sources indicate that foreigners are not permitted test. to drive in China, unless they obtained a Chinese  In Beijing, provisional licenses are available at the driver's license. However, the law was changed in International Airport. Ask information desk staff where conjunction with the 2008 Beijing Olympics. to apply. Also available at transportation police stations  Drivers must have a Chinese driver's license or throughout the city. Application process is short. provisional license. International Driver's Permits, Hong  Only foreigners with resident permits can apply for Kong-, Macau- and Taiwan-issued licenses are not regular Chinese driver's licenses. Getting a regular accepted. Requirements to obtain a provisional license: Chinese license is often difficult. In larger cities, the test  A valid national driver's license and a short-term visa is available in many languages. (a visa valid for no more than 3 months).

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 In smaller cities, test is generally written in Chinese, and  Minimum distance permitted between vehicles is 100 m authorities may not give drivers access to a translator. (328 feet) Avoid tailgating. Distance checks are  Drivers may get up to 14 days in jail for driving without common on expressways. a license. Seat belts are required. Child safety seats are  Cars without rear fog lights cannot use expressways. not required and are not widely available. When  Using headlights during the day is not legal. traveling with infants and/or young children, bring  Drivers are required to slow down when driving through safety seats with you. crosswalks.  Penalties for driving while under the influence of  Third party insurance is required. alcohol:  Minor crashes: When involved in a minor crash, in  BAC level of 0.02% up to 0.08%: fine of CNY 200- which no one is injured or killed and damage to vehicles 500 and 1-3 months license suspension. BAC level is minor, people generally do not call police. However, of 0.08%, CNY 500-2000 fine, up to 15 days in failing to call police voids insurance coverage for the prison an 3-6 months license suspension. crash.  Driving while under the influence of alcohol may result  Move vehicle to side of road as quickly as possible. in a five-year suspension of driver's license.  Minor crashes are generally resolved by one party  Drivers involved in a road crash that results in the paying the other party on the spot. Both parties injury or death of two or more people will lose their bargain until agreeing on amount of compensation license for life. required. Paying party may or may not admit fault.  Drivers who commit severe violations while driving  Drivers may not want to move vehicles, due to new under the influence of alcohol will go to prison. laws imposing harsh penalties for leaving the scene  Speed limits on 2-lane roads: of a crash.  Urban roads: 30 km/h (19 mph)  If involved in a serious road crash, call Traffic Police.  China National Highways: 40 km/h (25 mph) Police take 20 minutes or more to get to a crash scene.  Speed limits on major roads with a central median or Do not leave the scene, move vehicle or disturb crash two yellow lines: scene until ordered by police. Police will file a report on the crash and arrange for you to get a copy of the report  Urban roads: 70 km/h (43 mph) from nearest police station. Report will be in Chinese.  Urban expressways: 100 km/h (62 mph) Driver is required to sign it, verifying road crash details.  China National Highways: 80 km/h (50 mph) If you are not fluent in Chinese or if report is partially  Inter-city expressways: 120 km/h (75 mph) or totally inaccurate:  The minimum speed permitted on expressways is 70  Write a disclaimer on the report stating you cannot km/h (43.5 mph). Increases to 100 km/h to 110 km/h read or fully understand the report and therefore (62 to 68 mph) on some overtaking lanes. Fines are cannot attest to its accuracy. State that you are assessed for going under the minimum speed. signing the report only because doing so is required  Drivers can be fined up to 2,000 yuan and may lose or… their license for exceeding the posted speed limit by  add your version of the crash in English and state more than 50%. " that your signature only attests to the accuracy of the  Drivers of military, police and fire department vehicles English version. are not required to obey traffic or parking regulations.  Road crashes often draw a crowd. Remain calm. Crowd They often ignore traffic laws, run red lights, drive the may demand payment for damages from the party they wrong direction or weave in and out of traffic. consider at fault. They may seem threatening, but  Right turn on red is legal, unless signs indicate assaults on foreigners at road crashes are rare. Be otherwise. conciliatory while waiting for police. When uneasy, walk to a nearby store or public building and wait for  Overtaking lanes may only be used for passing. Passing police. (overtaking) on the right is illegal. Police are generally understanding towards foreigners, but  Only motor vehicles are permitted to use expressways. instances where police were biased against a foreign  Previously prohibited: drivers who have held a driver's driver have occurred. If you believe an officer has taken license for less than 1 year are permitted to use a bribe from the other driver to find you at fault, indicate expressways. your intent to refer the matter to China's Ministry of  On expressways, use of paved shoulders is generally Supervision or Tourist Complaint Board. Both offices restricted to police, fire/rescue and motorists with deal harshly with corruption. broken down vehicles.

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 A driver is considered at fault when he/she hits a  Drivers found guilty of a hit-and-run crash, lose their pedestrian, unless the pedestrian is violating a traffic license for life. law.

ROAD WATCH ROAD INFORMATION

G1 BEIJING–HARBIN EXPRESSWAY

Paved 4-lane dual expressway with broad paved emergency lanes; in good condition. A major transport route; intersects with several expressways and national highways. Links Beijing with Harbin, capital of Heilongjiang Province. Passes through Beijing, Tangshen and Qinhuangdao in Hebei Province, Jinzhou and Shenyang in Liaoning Province, Siping and Changchun in Jilin Province and ends in Harbin. BEIJING–SHANGHAI EXPRESSWAY (G2), ALSO KNOWN AS JINGHU EXPRESSWAY

Paved 4-lane dual expressway with broad paved emergency lane; in good condition. Heavily traveled. Sone sections may be congested. Links Beijing and Shanghai. Begins at Fenzhongsi Bridge on Beijing’s 3rd Ring Road and ends at Shanghai’s Middle Ring Road. From Beijing, the G2 follows same path as . After Tianjin, the G2 splits off Jingjintang Expressway and continues to Shanghai. Dense fog may cause closures of the G2’s Jiading section. Section may be closed until mid-morning or later. BEIJING–TAIPEI EXPRESSWAY (G3), ALSO KNOWN AS JINGTAI EXPRESSWAY

Paved 4-lane dual expressway with broad paved emergency lane; in good condition. Begins at Fenzhongsi Bridge on Beijing’s 3rd Ring Road and ends in Fuzhou in Fujian Province. Completion of Fuzhou-Taipei section is unlikely. Would require building a 100 km long tunnel under Taiwan Strait. EXPRESSWAY, ROUTE NUMBER G025

Six-lane divided highway; generally in good condition. After Beijing's Nankou district, road is a four-lane divided highway. Links Beijing with the Badaling section the . Begins near Madian Bridge on Northern section of Beijing's 3rd Ring Road, and passes through many of Beijing's residential and industrial zones. Due to mountainous terrain, road splits into inbound and outbound sections in Juyongguan. Outbound section has 3 exits to the Great Wall of China; inbound section has none. When traveling inbound, take Exit 20 and follow route to the "Wall." Inbound and outbound sections rejoin after Badaling and continue to Yanqing, where road becomes the Jingzhang Expressway. Some maps include the road in Jingzhang Expressway, a road linking Beijing and Zhangjiakou in Hebei province. Has exits to northern sections of Beijing's 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th Ring Roads, Huilongguan, Changping, Nankou, Badaling and Yanqing. Travel conditions on specific sections: Congestion is most common from Madian to Huilongguan, especially near Shangqing Bridge.  Often gridlocked from Madian to Jianxiang.  Out-bound traffic often congested from Jianxiang to Qinghe Toll Gate.  Expect long waits at Huilongguan exit during rush hours.  Travel may be slow traffic after Juyongguan, due to mountainous terrain.  On outbound section, fog is common on 49 and 50 km stretches and from Shahe to Xisanqi, especially at night.  Road risk is high on sections in urban and suburban Beijing.

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BADALING EXPRESSWAY, INBOUND SECTION KNOWN AS THE "VALLEY OF DEATH"

The 50-55 km section; begins shortly after road splits at Badaling. Section has a high road crash rate. Speed limit drops to 60 60 km/h (37 mph) for light-duty vehicles and 40 km/h (25 mph) for trucks, and is strictly enforced. Speed cameras are numerous; fines are high. Section includes a series of switchbacks (tight, downwardly spiraling curves), indicated by a "serial downgrades" sign. Road safety features include several Emergency "Brake-Fail" areas (upward sloping banks of gravel to slow vehicles that experience a mechanical failure and are unable to slow down or stop). Park near a "Brake-Fail" area when vehicle needs to be checked for any mechanical problems. , EXITS FOR THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA

Juyongguan Exit (Exit No. 15): Provides access to The Great Wall at Juyongguan Pass. Shuiguan Exit (Exit No. 16): Provides access to The Great Wall at Shuiguan, a lesser known section of the Wall. Road is extremely steep; allows travelers to see unrepaired sections of the Wall. No return ramp to expressway. Take minor roads back to Juyongguan to continue on expressway. Badaling Exit (Exit No. 18): Leads to Wall's most well known section. Parking may be available. BEIJING, 2ND RING ROAD

Generally in good condition. No traffic lights; intersections are grade separated. Although heavily congested, road is seldom gridlocked. Traffic backups are common, especially near exit for Airport Expressway. Road is least congested between Caihuying and Zuo'anmen. Access to alternate routes is limited. Road has few connections with Beijing expressways. Speed limit on the road is 80 km/h, except in section between Xiaojie Bridge and Dongzhimen and other sections with sharp curves. Speed is closely monitored by speed cameras and police officers. Digital display boards give information on current traffic conditions. Text is in Chinese. Color indicates average travel speed on a road, where yellow = 20-50 km/h; red = under 20 km/h. Has pedestrian overpasses; used by pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. Located near perimeter of city center; runs along moat that surrounded the "old city" wall. Many exits are named for wall's gates. A large section of Metro, Line 2 runs under the road; has Metro station exits on both sides of the road, except at station. BEIJING, 3RD RING ROAD

Heavily congested. Often gridlocked. Intersections with local roads have traffic lights.

BEIJING,

Designed to be a high-capacity transport corridor, linking Jingjintang Expressway, Jingshi Expressway, Badaling Expressway and Capital Airport Expressway. BEIJING,

A 4-lane, dual expressway; generally in good condition. A toll road; lightly traveled, except near exit at Xishatun, where traffic jams may occur. Speed limit: Minimum 50 km/h (31 mph), maximum 100 km/h (60 mph). Truck drivers often drive below speed limit and car drivers frequently exceed speed limit. Southwestern section, 6th Ring Road: Has no passing lanes. Speed limits:  Left lane: Minimum 80 km/h(50 mph)- maximum 100 km/h (60 mph).  Right lane: Minimum 60 km/h (37 mph), maximum 100 km/h (60 mph). Right lane is for cars only. Western section, 6th Ring Road: Links Liangxiang and Zhaikou. Passes through rugged, mountainous terrain in Beijing's .

ROAD TRAVEL REPORT: CHINA 23 © ASIRT 2011

BEIJING-TIANJIN-TANGGU EXPRESSWAY

4-lane, Limited access, divided highway with 4 lanes in each direction and paved shoulders. First expressway linking Beijing and Tianjin Metropolitan area and Tanggu, a port on Bohai Sea. Travel is slow, partly due to heavy truck traffic. Also known as Beijing-Tianjin cruise port; seldom used for cruise port transfer. BEIJING TIANJIN EXPRESSWAY

4-lane dual expressway; frequently used access route for Tianjin's cruise port. Some sections parallel the older Beijing- Tianjin-Tanggu Expressway. BEIJING-TONGZHOU EXPRESSWAY IN BEIJING

Has a "buses only" lane; reduces commute between Baliqiao and Sihuidong from 20 minutes to 8-10 minutes.

BEIJING–LHASA EXPRESSWAY (G6), ALSO KNOWN AS JINGZANG EXPRESSWAY ##

Passes through sparsely populated, rugged regions in Himalayan Mountains. Links Beijing and Lhasa. Section between Xining in Qinghai Province and Lhasa in Tibet Autonomous Region is incomplete. Alternate routes between the cities include China National Highway 109 and Qinghai-Tibet Railroad. BEIJING-ZHUHAI EXPRESSWAY

Long traffic jams with many road crashes are common in bad weather.

BEIJING-ZHANGJIAKOU HIGHWAY IN HUAILAI, ALSO KNOWN AS CHINA NATIONAL HIGHWAY 110 (G110)

In August and September, 2010, construction on the route created a 60-mile traffic jam that lasted for weeks. Links Beijing, Zhangjiakou, Hohhot, Baotou, Yinchuan, and Ningxia. JINGSHEN EXPRESSWAY

3-lane dual highway; links Shenyang and Beijing.

JIQING EXPRESSWAY

Links Jinan, capital of Shandong Province and Qingdao, a port on Yellow River. Intersects with the north-south Expressway. JICHANG AIRPORT EXPRESSWAY

6-lane, dual expressway; generally in good condition. Heavily traveled. Traffic jams common during rush hour. Toll road; begins on northern section of 3rd Ring Road in Beijing's Sanyuanqiao district. Passes through Sanyuanqiao, Siyuan, Beigao and Xiaotianzu districts; ends at Beijing Capital International Airport. Major exits to 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th ring roads. Beijing.English-China.org, "Visit Beijing: By Car," 6/2/08 Speed limits, are posted as minimum speed required and maximum speed allowed:  Left lane: Minimum 100 km/h (60 mph), maximum 120 km/h (75 mph)  Other lanes: Minimum 60 km/h (37 mph), maximum 80 km/h (50 mph) GUANGZHOU–KUNMING EXPRESSWAY, G80

Also known as the Guangkun Expressway. Links Guangzhou in Guandong Province and Kunming in Yunnan Province. Section linking Suolongshi, Mile County, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan to Shilin Yi Autonomous County follows China National Highway 326. Road is not grade separated, but is being upgraded to expressway standards. Be alert for construction zones.

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ROADS LINKING TIBET WITH OTHER REGIONS OF CHINA Sichuan-Tibet Road Main route between Chengdu and Tibet. Part of National Highway 318, which links Shanghai, Chengdu, Lhasa and Katmandu, capital of Nepal. One of the world’s roughest, highest and most dangerous roads. Passes through a mountainous, seismically unstable region. Climate is harsh. Landslides, rock avalanches, and mudslides are common, especially in Linzhi to Basu section. Heavy rains increase risk. Earthquakes are common. Traffic includes many heavy trucks. Road crosses many rivers and passes over 14 mountains at elevations of 4,000 to 5,000 meters (13,123 to 3,106 ft) above sea level. Mountainous sections have many switchbacks (hairturns or sharp curves); often described as zigzagging up and down steep mountains. Trucks and larger buses may have difficulty negotiating switchbacks, especially in winter. Completion of Erlangshan Tunnel eliminated one of route's dangerous mountain passes. Traffic includes many trucks and buses. Emergency medical response time is slow. Road conditions vary. Some sections are in poor condition, unpaved, heavily potholed or severely damaged. Upgraded sections are generally in good conditon. Slowdowns for construction zones may be frequent. Road risk is high. Upgrades have reduced risk and decreased travel times on many sections. Travel time from Chengdu to Qamdo County in Tibet is 2.5 days. Road risk is greatest in Trola Mountain section in southwestern Sichuan Province. Weather conditions are harsh. In winter, heavy snows are common; often cause traffic jams. Wrecked vehicles are ofteh beside the road. Crossing the mountain takes about 2 hours and 10 minutes. Dazhou-Shaanxi Expressway Four-lane, arterial route in Sichuan province. Links Arong Banner in northeastern Inner Mongolia, with Beihai, a seaport in Guangxi Province in southern China via Shaanxi, Sichuan and Guizhou provinces. Intersects with Xi'an-Ankang Expressway in the north and Dazhou-Chongqing expressway in the south. Road is part of an express ring road linking Western China's three main cities, Chongqing and Xi'an. Beijing-Tibet Expressway A four-lane highway, linking Beijing and in Inner Mongolia. Requires frequent repairs due to high traffic volume and many overloaded trucks. Traffic jams are common, especially near construction zones. Road is the most direct route for truckers transporting goods to port cities near Beijing. Qinghai-Tibet Highway Road begins in Xining, capital of Qinghai Province; ends in Lhasa, capital of Tibet Province. It is the most heavily used of the 4 main roads that link Tibet with other areas of China. Carries heavy truck traffic. Over 85% of cargo entering or leaving Tibet is shipped via this road. Crosses Kunlun and Tangula Mountain Ranges, Gobi Desert and extensive grasslands. Shortest, safest way to reach Tibet. -Lhasa section has been upgraded. Bus service is available along the route. Xining-Lhasa section passes through desolate regions. Carry satelite phone and GPS. Road is subject to landslides and cave-ins. Heavy, drifting snow may occur in winter. Construction of road and nearby railroad adversely affected permafrost regions along route. Increased landslide risk, especially in Chumarhe High Plateau, Xidatan Basin, Wudaoliang Basin, Hoh Xil Hill Region and Beiluhe Basin. Section in Hoh Xil area in Qinghai Province has traffic lights, which are operated only during antelope migrations (June mid-July and October-November). Lights stop traffic for 20 minutes. Be alert for antelope crossing at other points along the road. Lights only turn red when groups of antelopes are crossing the road. Xinjiang-Tibet Highway (Yecheng-Burang), also known as National Highway 219 Carries heavy truck traffic. Begins in Yecheng in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, enters Tibet, passes near China's border with Nepal and India, merges with China-Nepal Friendship Highway and ends in Lhasa. Passes through a mountainous region. Many sections are steep and winding. Five of the mountains are more than 5,000 meters (16,400 feet) above sea level. Crosses several high mountain passes. Jieshan Ridge to Saga County section: Average elevation is 4663 meters (15, 298 feet) above sea level. Severe weather conditions. Average annual temperature is -6Ԩ (21.20F). Also known as "road laid on the top of the clouds."

ROAD TRAVEL REPORT: CHINA 25 © ASIRT 2011

ROADS LINKING TIBET WITH OTHER REGIONS OF CHINA, CONTINUED Xinjiang-Tibet Highway (Yecheng-Burang), also known as National Highway 219, continued Road conditions are best from May to early July and September-October. However, may snow in Nagari prefecture in October. Conditions are often poor in the rainy season (July-August). Generally closed due to deep snow in winter and spring. Bus service is limited. Yecheng (Kargilik) and Domar section of National Highway 219 Some sections are paved; may be in poor condition. Long sections may be heavily corrugated (ruts running across the road). Often dusty in the dry season. Frequently used by trucks. May encounter military checkpoints. May through October, road conditions are best, and repair/construction zones are most common. Late winter to early spring, road conditions are generally worst. ZHAMU-MOTUO HIGHWAY

Motuo county in Tibet is the last county with no road connection with mainland China. A new road linking Motuo county and Zhamu Village in Bomi County will open after completion of Galongla Mountain tunnel. Road ends near China-India border. Motuo lies on southern slopes of a section of the Himalayas Mountains. Weather conditions are harsh. LHASA TO GONGGAR AIRPORT EXPRESSWAY, ALSO KNOWN AS CHINESE NATIONAL HIGHWAY NO. 318

A toll-free, four-lane road, linking Lhasa Railway Station and Gonggar Airport. Reduces travel time from 1 hour to 30 minutes. Road relieves some of the congestion on Chinese National Highway No. 318. An older section of 318 links Lhasa and Gonggar Airport. Road is narrow and heavily traveled; traffic jams are common. May flood during heavy rains. CHINA-NEPAL HIGHWAY, ALSO KNOWN AS FRIENDSHIP HIGHWAY (G318) TIBET

Links Lhasa and , Nepal. Has many mountainous sections. Altitude sickness may affect ability to drive. Temperatures drop as elevation increases; take warm clothing. Sheer cliffs are common along route. Dense fog may occur in all seasons. Use caution, especially when driving at night. Small waterfalls are plentiful along the route; may drive through cascading water. Road begins in Lhasa, passes near Yamdrok Lake, goes through and , follows the Yarlung Zangbo and Brahmaputra rivers, passes near and continues to Chapu. After leaving Chapu, road forks. One branch becomes China National Highway 219 (G219), continues to in western Tibet. Provides access to sacred circuits of Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. Mount Everest can be seen from the road. Second branch retains G318 route number. Goes through many high mountain passes. Travels southwest to Lakpa-La and descends 800 meters to the Arun River in Nepal. Passes Xêgar (New ) and Old Tingri, which lead to and Mount Everest. Continues to Nyalam, near Tibet-Nepal border. Road descends sharply through a canyon; reaches Zhangmu and crosses into Nepal via Friendship bridge. KUNMING-BANGKOK EXPRESSWAY, ALSO KNOWN AS ASIAN HIGHWAY 3 (AH3)

An international highway; starts in Kunming and passes through jungles and highlands in southern Yunnan Province. Links Kunming, Yuxi, Yuanjiang, Mohei, Simao, Xizomenyang and Mohan, which is near China-Laos border. In Laos, road passes through Boten, Luang-Namth and Ban Houayxay, across the Mekong River from Chiang Khong, Thailand. Bridge linking Ban Houayxay and Chiang Khong is nearing completion. Road continues to Chiang Rai; ends in Bangkok. Section in Thailand is also known as Thailand Highway 1 or Phahonyothin Road. Upgrades to sections in China are complete. Upgrades in Laos and Thailand are partially complete or being planned. Sections in China:  Kunming - Yuxi, a 6-lane expressway.  Yuxi - Yuanjiang, a 4-lane expressway. Passes through the steep terrain; includes many bridges and tunnels.  Yuanjiang - Mohei, a 4-lane expressway.

ROAD TRAVEL REPORT: CHINA 26 © ASIRT 2011

KUNMING-BANGKOK EXPRESSWAY, ALSO KNOWN AS ASIAN HIGHWAY 3 (AH3), CONTINUED

Mohei-Simao Expressway, a 4-lane expressway. Drainage facilities are surfaced with permeable concrete blocks; require less maintenance. Simao-Xiaomengyang Expressway, 4-lane expressway; passes through rain forests in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province. Has bridges and tunnels for migrating wildlife. Be alert for Asian elephants. They follow traditional routes. If their route lacks a bridge, elephants walk across roads, even in heavy traffic. Xiaomenyang-Monan Expressway, 4-lane expressway; ends at the Monan/Botan border crossing. Border crossing facilities have been upgraded in Monan; are being upgraded in Botan. TONGJIANG-SANYA EXPRESSWAY

North-south, limited access, toll highway. Heavy truck traffic. Links major ports on China's eastern coast. Intersects with 2 east-west truck routes and with highways leading to provincial capitals in eastern and central regions. SHENDA EXPRESSWAY

4-lane dual highway in Liaoning Province. Links Shenyang and Dalian's Port on the Bohai Sea.

ROADS ON HAINAN ISLAND

Eastern Highway: An older road; some sections may be in poor condition. Eastern Expressway (G223): A newer road; generally in good condition. Route is shorter than the Eastern Highway. Road is generally flat. Not recommended for cycling due to higher travel speeds. Western Expressway (G225): A newer road; generally in good condition. Road is generally flat. Not recommended for cycling due to higher travel speeds. TARIM HIGHWAY, ALSO KNOWN AS THE SECOND TAKLAMAKAN DESERT HIGHWAY

Two-lane, paved road with paved shoulders; in good condition. Frequent road crashes. Grasses planted on road embankments keep sand dunes off road surface. Rest stops and cell towers at regular intervals. Warning signs indicate where animals are likely to be near or on the road. Take adequate food and water in case journey is delayed by crashes. Detours are generally lacking for motorized vehicles. Larger vehicles quickly become mired in sand if driver tries to drive around tie-ups. Severe sands storms may delay travel, especially in spring. Links Niya (also known as Minfeng) to Bügür (also known as Luntai). Travel time between Minfeng to Korla has been reduced from 40 days to 8 hours. Buses provide transport along route. HOTAN HIGHWAY (HOTAN-ALAR HIGHWAY)

Paved road; in good condition. Two-lane, paved road with paved shoulders; in good condition. Follows near Hotan River. Links Hotan City (also known as Khotan) at the southern edge of the desert with Aksu on the northern edge of the Desert. At Aksu, road joins with Highway 314 and continues along the northern edge of the Taklamakan Desert. Shortens distance between Hotan and Aksu by 300 km ( miles). Buses provide transport along the road. Some buses are air-conditioned. May have two drivers so can alternate drivers and avoid driver fatigue. QINGDAO–YINCHUAN EXPRESSWAY, COMMONLY KNOWN AS QINGYIN EXPRESSWAY

A major arterial route. Links cities in Shandong, Hebei, Shanxi, Jing Shaanxi and Ningxia provinces. Lishi District in Shanxi Province is a major hub for the coal industry. Truck traffic is heavy in the region. KARAKORUM HIGHWAY, ALSO KNOWN AS "FRIENDSHIP HIGHWAY" IN CHINA

Paved on China's side to the border crossing at Khunjerab Pass. Located in Karakorum Mountain Range. Border crossing is only open from May 1 st to Dec. 31st. Road is part of China's G314 Highway; generally has an N-35 route sign.

ROAD TRAVEL REPORT: CHINA 27 © ASIRT 2011

KARAKORUM HIGHWAY, ALSO KNOWN AS "FRIENDSHIP HIGHWAY" IN CHINA, CONTINUED

Passes through many rugged, mountainous areas. Landslides are common; may block traffic for hours. Generally open in spring through early autumn. In winter, heavy snows may close road for extended times. Monsoons affect the region in July and August; may cause occasional landslides. Road is temporarily closed in Hunza Valley due to a massive landslide near Karimabad, capital of Hunza Valley. Only detour linking China and Pakistan is by boat. Road expected to re-open in late 2012. KHUNJERAB PASS

Located on Karakorum Highway; includes a border crossing between China and Pakistan. A long, flat pass often snow- covered in winter season. Generally closed Nov. 30 to May 1. Provides access to Khunjerab National Park in Pakistan. Daily bus service across the pass is available. Links Gilgit in Pakistan's Gilit-Baltistan Autonomous Region and Kashghar in Xinjiang Province. MINTAKA PASS, ALSO KNOWN AS MINGTEKE PASS

Part of the ancient Silk Road. Open all year. A dangerous route; can be only traveled on foot. More difficult to navigate due to increasing glacier ice in the pass. Located in the Karakorum Mountain Range. Links Pakistan and Xinjiang in China. The pass is the shortest route between China's Tarim Basin and northern India. KILIK PASS

Part of the ancient Silk Road. Open all year. A dangerous route; can be only traveled on foot. Absence of glaciers makes it more accessible than Mintaka Pass. Located in the Karakorum Mountain Range. Links Pakistan and Xinjiang in China. Provides access to northern India from China's Tarim Basin.

ROAD RECOMMENDATIONS

TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS air-conditioned, and have uncomfortable seats. Often BUSES overcrowded, especially during major holidays. Driver may not leave until bus is full. Pay fare when boarding.  The safety of public transportation is poor to good. Announcements of stops are in Chinese. Transport is Routes and schedules may be confusing, especially if often slow. travelers do not speak or read Chinese. Hotel staff may provide assistance.  Buses are the only form of transportation available in some rural areas.  Public bus drivers and some private bus drivers speed and drive aggressively.  Minibuses mainly serve routes from train stations to tourist sites. Can be hailed; will drop off passengers  Drivers seldom speak English. Tickets and signs at anywhere along the route. Fares are slightly higher than stations are generally in Chinese or a local language. bus fares. Travel tends to be slower due to frequent Announcements of stops are in English only. stops.  Routes are difficult to understand unless traveler speaks  Newer, modern local buses are air-conditioned; seats are Chinese. generally comfortable. Often overcrowded in rush hour.  Buses seldom run on time. In larger cities, announcements of stops may be in  Larger bus stations issue printed tickets. Tickets indicate Chinese and English. Pay fare when boarding. Fares are route number and bus license plate number. Fares are higher on newer, modern buses and are highest on fixed. May be able to purchase at travel agencies in routes to suburbs. hotels. Purchase tickets well in advance. Bus Rapid Transit Systems (BRTs)  Smaller bus stations seldom issue tickets. Pay when  BRT systems are available or under construction in boarding. Fare may be negotiable. some major cities, including Beijing, Changzhou, Local bus transport Chongqing, Dalian, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Hefei,  Older local buses often are in poor condition and break Jinan, Kunming, Shanghai, Shenyang, Xiamen and down frequently. Road crashes are common, Zhengzhou. particularly on winding mountain roads. Generally not ROAD TRAVEL REPORT: CHINA 28 © ASIRT 2011

 BRT buses run in designated bus lanes, separated from  In major cities, taxis are readily available. Taxi drivers traffic by physical barriers or road markings. Stations seldom speak English. Have written directions and a are generally located in center lanes of large urban map showing your destination. roads.  Taxis often lack working seatbelts. Insist on taxis with  Only BRT buses and local buses included in the BRT working seat belts and use them to reduce road risk. system can use the lanes. Stops are limited. BRTS  Taxis can be hailed or picked up at hotels or taxi stands. provide rapid transport. Are often overcrowded during Be sure meter is turned on before departing. rush hour.  Most taxis are metered; fares are set. Extra fees may be  BRT systems include a network of local bus routes. charged for time lost in traffic jams. Receipt is given if Buses gather riders from suburban and rural areas and requested. take them to BRT stops. BRT buses take riders to  Carry small bills for taxi fares. Some drivers use central districts and Metro or train stations. counterfeit bills to make change. Get a receipt.  Local bus may use short sections of BRT corridors.  Pedicabs are generally 3-wheeled vehicles, which Allows local buses to move through congested areas provide transport over short distances. Built for two more quickly. Eliminates need to transfer from BRT passengers, seated behind a driver. May be powered by buses to local buses. bicycle or motor. Also known as cycle-rickshaws or  Trams provide transport in Beijing, Dalian, Fuzhou, auto-rickshaws. Guangzhou, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Jinan, Luoyang,  Fares may be high. Negotiate fare before boarding. Qingdao, Taiyuan, Shanghai, Tianshui and Wuhan. Overcharging tourists is less common due a  Trolley buses provide transport in a few larger cities. government crack-down. Inter-city buses  May be banned on busier streets. Driver may have to  Inter-city buses are the main transport providers where take a round about route. train service is not available.  Continue to operate late at night. Can travel on  Buses are the most common means of inter-city travel. narrow streets in older areas of the city where taxis Regular bus transport is available between major cities. and buses are unable to travel. Bus transport services are increasingly common in rural areas. TRUCKS  Inter-city buses often run late at night when road risk is higher.  Drivers often speed, overload their vehicles and/or  Driver fatigue is common. Distances between main modify the vehicles to carry larger loads. cities are long. Roads are often pass through difficult,  Drivers often lack adequate training. mountainous regions. Drivers may drive for extended times or take insufficient breaks. TRAINS  Night buses are the primary transportation service in  Rail is the primary mode of long distance inter-city rural China. Regulation of night buses is lax. Road travel. Rail network has grown rapidly. Trains generally crash risk high. run on schedule.  Night buses often have basic, uncomfortable bunk  The train network is extensive and reliable. Many old beds instead of seats and generally use secondary train systems have been replaced or updated. roads. Roads may be in poor condition. Ride is  High-speed train lines link many cities: Beijing–Tianjin, roughest in rear bunks. Fares are low. Wuhan–Guangzhou, Zhengzhou–Xi'an, Shanghai–  Can be hailed. Drivers drop passengers upon request. Nanjing and Shanghai–Hangzhou.  Night buses originating in coastal provinces are  Commuter rail services are generally lacking except in generally newer and more comfortable. Have soft seats Beijing and Binhai. Guangzhou-Zhuhai high-speed or bunk beds. Generally travel on expressways. Fares commuter rail line is under construction. are higher than on older, rural night buses.  Traditional rail service is available through mountainous  Tibet has regular bus service between major towns. regions; travel is slow. Frequency of service is limited. Schedules change often.  Rail lines have been or are being constructed to underserved regions. TAXIS AND PEDICABS China is improving rail lines linking China and Europe,  Taxis are the most expensive means of transport, but and between coastal and inland ports in China. A often are the most convenient. completed line links Chengdu in Sichuan Province and Shenzhen Special Economic Zone in Guangdong.

ROAD TRAVEL REPORT: CHINA 29 © ASIRT 2011

 Qinghai-Tibet Railway links Golmud in Qinghai  To reduce congestion, some larger cities have banned Province and Lhasa in Tibet. bicycles from major roads or in main traffic lanes. Bike parking may be difficult to find in these cities. AIR TRAVEL  Some areas of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region are closed to cyclists and hikers. Bus travel is available  China’s Civil Aviation Authority is in compliance with to tourists. Bus drivers often do not charge for International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) transporting bikes on the roofs of buses. aviation safety standards for oversight of China’s air  Larger cities often have bike sharing programs. Check carrier operations. locally about cost and terms of use. Generally, the first  International class airports are readily available in or hour is free. Bikes rented at bike stations in the suburbs near main cities. Cities with most frequently used can be dropped at bike stations near bus, BRT or metro international airports: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou stops. Can reach city center without having to drive. and Hong Kong. Share bikes can also be used for day trips in the region.  International flights leaving China are often  When renting a bike, make sure the brakes work, tires overbooked. Reconfirming departure reservations and are properly inflated, and the bike is safe. Use a safety checking in early at the airport is essential. helmet meeting US standards and a bike lock.  Airports are being upgraded or constructed in more  Standard touring bikes are adequate in larger cities. remote areas. Flights in and out of the airports may be Mountain or hybrid bikes with 18 to 21 gears are limited. recommended for inter-city travel, especially in more  Ngari Gunsa Airport, located in northwestern section remote regions. of Tibet's . Flights availability on  Cycle repair shops are plentiful. Obtaining quality parts Tuesdays and Fridays. is often difficult, except in provincial capitals. Electric Bikes & Scooters RENTAL CARS  Electric bicycles are increasingly common. May account  Rental cars and vans are available in larger cities. Fee for 10-20% of two wheeled vehicles in larger cities. includes a driver.  Electric bicycles have been banned in central business  Self-drive rental vehicles are available. areas of some major cities, such as Guangzhou.  Taxi drivers can be hired for inter-city transport or tours.  In some cities, electric scooters are licensed as bicycles. Driver also serves as a guide. Only a bicycle license is required to ride them.  In Tibet, rental fees may vary by season.  Cities may restrict lanes scooter use. Often are banned on fast lanes. MOTORCYCLES & BICYCLES  Electric scooters are targeted for theft. When parked, secure both wheels and battery/batteries. When  Heavy traffic levels typical on many main roads possible, park in a secure, indoor area. increases road risks for cyclists. When planning to ride  Riders seldom use lights at night. a bike, scooter or motorcycle, take a regulation helmet with you. Motorcycling  Roundabouts are difficult to negotiate.  Motorcycling is a high risk travel option due to undisciplined driving culture.  Cyclists often cut off, swerve, head directly toward others cyclists and seldom use lights at night.  Motorcyclists must have a Chinese motorcycle license (more difficult to obtain regular driver's licenses), a  Main city streets often have bike lanes. permit to tour China and insurance to operate a  Bike parking areas are generally available near major motorcycle in China. Motorcycle must be legally intersections, parks, tourist sites, and major stores. Park registered and have a license plate. bike in a posted cycle parking lot with an attendant if  Motorcycles are not permitted on expressways and are possible. banned in heavily congested downtown areas of many  Bike theft is common. Imported bikes are often stolen. A cities, including Guangzhou, Dongguan, Shenzhen, good theft protection system is essential. Zhuhai and Hangzhou. Some restrictions apply in  Traffic regulations apply to cyclists. Enforcement of Beijing and Shanghai. Riding in prohibited areas can regulations is more strict for cyclists than other road result in fines and confiscation of motorcycle. users. Traffic includes many scooters and 3-wheeled motorcycle-  Walk your bike on congested streets and in pedestrian powered cargo vehicles. zones. Cyclists may be fined for crossing against crosswalk signals.

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 Motorcyclists are not required to wear a helmet when  Terrorism is rare. Occasional bombings and incidents of riding. Using a helmet is essential for safety reasons. If unrest have occurred throughout China. Bombings are helmets are not available, a different form of often due to commercial disputes or job layoffs. There transportation is recommended. have been no acts of terrorism or public violence against foreigners. CRIME & SECURITY  Kidnappings of Americans to extort money have increased recently.  Overall crime rate is low. Pick pocketing is the most  Tourists may be banned from traveling in some areas of common form of crime against foreign visitors. Reports Tibet. of pick-pocketing often increase just before "Spring Festival."  Verify with a U.S. tour operator that local guides are familiar with medical facilities along route and aware of  Violent and nonviolent crime has increased in the past emergency medical evacuation procedures. year. Chinese officials have warned that crime rate may continue to increase due to global recession.  Americans who become involved in a business or civil dispute may not be permitted to leave China until  Muggings are rare. Hold ups and roadside assaults have dispute is settled. China does not enforce contracts set occurred in remote provinces in western and central up in America. China, especially on highways near Mt. Everest and Nepal border.  Photocopy passport bio-data pages and Chinese visas Keep copies in a separate location.  Gun-related crimes are rare, but are increasing.  Taking pictures of military- or security-related objects  Sexual harassment and crime on trains and overnight or people is not permitted. buses is increasing.  In Kunming, there have been reports various scams in  Violence against and/or kidnapping of foreigners are barber shops, massage centers and other small shops. rare, but are increasing. The shops provide storage of passports and other  Only open hotel room door to someone you know well. personal items in a locked cabinet. Scams generally Do not go to the home of or get into the car of someone involve demands for higher fees for services. Demands you just met. are made after the service is partially complete. Some  Chinese security personnel may place foreign tourists have reported being chased from the shops. government officials, journalists, and business people Their passports and other personal items were not having access to advanced proprietary technology, returned. under surveillance. These visitors may be searched Common scams without consent; search may be conducted secretly.  Young people approach English-speaking tourists and  Robberies at domestic airports are increasing, especially ask to have cup of tea or coffee with them to practice in Beijing, Zhengzhou, Shenyang, Dalian, Qingdao and their English. Charge for the drinks is extremely high. Taiyuan. Only use registered taxis from taxi ranks when Protest is futile. traveling to or from airports. Unregistered taxis may  Use caution in respect to Internet business or personal drive away with your luggage. contacts.  Most drivers of registered taxis are honest. Disputes  “Virtual” kidnapping of children: Criminal sends parents over fare or route taken are difficult to resolve. In a few a text message, saying they have kidnapped their child cases, Americans were detained for questioning and not and demanding ransom for child's return. Check with released until fare was paid and an apology give to the Chinese police, the school and the U.S. Embassy before driver. responding to text. No actual kidnappings have taken  Pirated (stolen) or counterfeit goods may be available at place. low prices. Purchasing them is illegal in China and may  Relationship frauds via Internet are increasing. People contribute to slave and child labor, drug trafficking or enter into personal relationships, primarily to get a U.S. money laundering. May result in forfeiture of goods visa. and/or fines.

EMERGENCY INFORMATION TOURIST ASSISTANCE National emergency numbers are free from cell phones.  Roadside assistance is generally not available in rural areas. Availability is fair in or near large cities.

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 Emergency numbers on mainland: cities successfully. Check for maps at tourist shops and  Patrol Police, 110 subway stations.  Traffic Police, 122  Fire, 119 DISASTER PREPAREDNESS  Ambulance (government owned), 120  Yunnan and Xinjiang Provinces are prone to  Ambulance (privately owned), 999. Available in earthquakes. some areas.  Information on disaster preparedness is available from  Traffic emergencies, 122 U.S. Embassy in Beijing, FEMA; website is www.fema.gov.  Telephone operator, 114 U.S. Embassy in Beijing,  Emergency numbers in Hong Kong: MEDICAL CARE  All emergencies, 999.  In rural areas, medical facilities are generally inadequate. Most facilities are poorly equipped and  Consumer Protection Information: 12315 have few medications available. Doctors and staff often  Modern tourist facilities are becoming more widely lack adequate training. Many doctors and nurses do not available; are most common in major cities. speak English.  Unleaded gas is available throughout China.  In remote areas, medical facilities may be primitive.  Due to prevalence of counterfeiting, exchanging dollars  Rural clinics are often reluctant to assume the for RMB anywhere except at banks, hotels or official responsibility of treating foreign visitors, even in exchange offices is illegal. Visitors accused of doing so emergencies. may be delayed for weeks or months while allegations  Medical technology generally is not up to date. Hospital against them are investigated. conditions often are not equivalent to United States  China does not recognize dual citizenship. U.S. standards. Embassy officials are frequently denied access to dual  Better medical care is available in larger cities. Medical U.S./China citizens who are arrested or detained. care is most advanced in Shanghai.  Chinese citizens who are Lawful Permanent Residents  Medical facilities in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and of the U.S. should carry unexpired Permanent Resident a few other large cities have international staff Cards (Green Cards) or other documentation members. establishing that they may re-enter the U.S. Lack of required documentation delays departure.  Major hospitals have 24-hour emergency clinics.  Cultural insights:  Many hospitals in larger cities have VIP wards (gaogan bingfangs), intended for high-ranking government  When giving a business card to someone, holding the officials. Many of VIP wards also treat foreigners. The card with both hands is a sign of respect. hospitals have reasonably up-to-date equipment and  If you become involved in a conflict, stay calm and laboratories. Physicians are generally well-trained. do not raise your voice. Responding with anger is Some doctors and nurses speak English. more likely to escalate the conflict than resolve it.  Care is good but expensive at the few expatriate clinics.  Tipping is uncommon in China; is generally see as Clinics are up to international standards, but may lack extortion or an immoral practice. Tipping is adequate supplies of medicines. becoming more common in tourist areas, but is not  Beijing United Family Hospital provides in-patient and required. 24-hour emergency care; has advanced medical  When visiting Tibet, foreign visitors must travel in equipment. groups (currently, at least one other person), get travel  U.S. Consulate in Chengdu provides information on permits at least 5 days prior to arrival and be picked up medical facilities in Sichuan, Guizhou, and Yunnan by a local guide and driver. For more information, provinces, TAR, and the Chongging Municipalit. contact Sichuan China International Travel Service Website: www.usembassy- (CITS, Chengdu) Lhasa office; address: A1401#,Tianyi china.org.cn/chengdu/cons/medical.html. Masion, Jiangxi Street No.27,Chengdu,China. Ph:+86-  Care for road crash victims has improved in main cities. 028-85513929 ; fax:+86-028-85531566; email:[email protected] and website:  Ambulances generally lack sophisticated medical www.tripbus.com/TibetTravelTips/4294324.html. equipment. Emergency medical personnel often have little or no medical training.  Maps of China quickly become out of date due to rapid growth of many cities, ongoing construction of new  Drivers often fail to yield to ambulances. roads and realignment of existing roads. Obtaining two maps gives you a greater chance of navigating larger

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 In the event of a road crash or serious illness, travelers am -12:30 pm, 1:30 pm-3:00 pm, Mon-Fri, except on may have to take a taxi or other immediately available holidays. vehicle to the hospital rather than wait for an  U.S. Embassy, No. 55 An Jia Lou Road, Chaoyang ambulance. District, Beijing 100600. Phone: (86-10) 8531-3000;  Doctors and hospitals often require payment for services website: http://beijing.usembassy-china.org.cn/. After prior to seeing or treating patients, even in emergency hours emergency numbers: When in China, call 86-10- cases. 8531 4000. When outside of China, call 010-8531-4000.  Hospitals in larger cities may accept credit cards. Many  Consular Section, located in the Embassy. The doctors and nurses do not speak English. Embassy's consular district includes Beijing and  Few hospitals accept medical insurance from the United Tianjin municipalities and the provinces/autonomous States. Exceptions include: Hong Kong Adventist regions of Gansu, Hebei, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Hospital, Beijing United Family Hospital, Beijing Inner Mongolia, Jiangxi, Ningxia, Qinghai, Shaanxi, Friendship Hospital, International Medical Center in Shandong, Shanxi, and Xinjiang. Beijing, Peking Union Medical Center, and Shanghai  American Citizen Services office: Enter Embassy's United Family Hospital. east gate near intersection of Tian Ze Road and An  Doctors and hospitals may refuse to provide American Jia Lou Road. Phone: (86-10) 8531-4000, fax: (86- patients with complete copies of medical records, x-rays 10) 8531-3300, email: [email protected]; and scans. Many doctors discourage seeking second website: http://beijing.usembassy- opinions. china.org.cn/service.html.  There is little legal recourse for victims of medical  U.S. Consulate General in Chengdu, Number 4, malpractice. Lingshiguan Road, Section 4, Renmin Nanlu, Chengdu  Pharmacies (Yao Dian or Yao Fang or 药房) generally 610041. Phone: (86-28) 558-3992 and (86-28) 555- have a sign with a bright green cross. 3119, fax is (86-28) 8558-3520, after hours phone: (86- 0) 13708001422; email: [email protected].  Medications commonly used in the U.S. are seldom Consular district includes the Guizhou, Sichuan Xizang available in China. Medications with the same or a (Tibet), and Yunnan provinces/regions or in Chongqing. similar name may not be the same drug. Take sufficient quantities of required medications and Rxs.  U.S. Consulate General in Guangzhou, Number 1 South Shamian Street, Shamian Island 200S1, Guangzhou  At higher elevations, driving ability may be affected 510133. Phone: (86-20) 8121-8418, after hours until driver becomes accustomed to lower oxygen emergencies, phone: (86-20) 139-0229-3169, fax: (86- levels. Most towns and roads in Tibet, western Sichuan, 20) (86-20) 8121-8428, email: Qinghai and some sections of Xinjiang are at elevations [email protected] and website: over 3,000 to 10,000 meters (9,842- 32,808 feet). http://guangzhou.usembassy-  Inquire about the coverage your medical insurance china.org.cn/offices_department.html. provides in destination country. Carry the contact  Consular Section and American Citizens Services information for your insurance company with you. Unit, is located at 5th Floor, Tianyu Garden (II  Some credit card companies provide health and travel phase), 136-146 Lin He Zhong Lu, Tianhe District. insurance when travelers use their card to purchase Phone: (86)(20) 8518-7605; after-hours emergencies airline fares. Inquire about specific coverage provided. phone: (86)(20) 8121-8000, email: [email protected].  Consular district includes the Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, and Fujian provinces/regions. EMBASSY INFORMATION  U.S. Consulate General in Shanghai, Westgate Mall, 8th  Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Floor, 1038 Nanjing Xi Lu, Shanghai 200031. Phone: United States, 3505, International Place, N.W., (86-21) 3217-4650, after hours emergencies phone: (86- Washington D.C. 20008. Phone: 202-495-2266, fax: 21) 6433-3936, email: [email protected]; 202-495-2138, email: [email protected]; website: http://shanghai.usembassy-china.org.cn/. website: www.china-embassy.org. Consular district includes the Shanghai, Anhui, Jiangsu,  The Visa Section, 2201 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W., and Zhejiang provinces/regions. Suite 110, Washington, D.C. 20007. Phone numbers: Automated voice system: (202) 338-6688, telephone consulting service: (202) 337-1956, fax: (202) 588- 9760, email: [email protected]. Hours: 9:30

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 U.S. Consulate General in Shenyang, No. 52, 14th Wei FOR MORE INFORMATION Road, Heping District, Shenyang 110003. Phone: 86- Contact the Association for Safe International (24) 2322-2374, after hours emergencies phone: (86)- Road Travel (ASIRT) (24) 137-0988-9307, email: [email protected]; 12320 Parklawn Drive, Rockville MD 20852-1726, website: http://shenyang.usembassy-china.org.cn/. USA  Consular district includes the Liaoning, Heilongjiang Telephone: (240) 249-0100 and Jilin provinces/regions. Fax: (301) 230-0411  Registering with the Dept. of State's “Smart Traveler Web Site: www.asirt.org Enrollment Program (STEP)” provides access to E-mail: [email protected]. information on current travel conditions in planned destinations. STEP allows Embassy officials to contact you about an impending natural disaster or other emergency, and facilitate your evacuation, if necessary.

STEP website: https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/.

ASIRT is a non-profit humanitarian organization established in memory of Aron Sobel, age 25, who was killed along with 22 other passengers in a Pamukkale Bus Company crash on the roads of Turkey. © ASIRT 2011

Disclaimer: ASIRT provides this information as a service to the traveling public. This report is intended to represent general road conditions, driving environment, quality of public transportation, medical care and emergency response. It may not be totally accurate in a specific location or circumstance.

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